DPC News | Author: Zachary K. West, DO | Article Link: Click Here
Physicians have been involved in public service throughout the history of the United States. Thirty-one (8.5%) members of the Continental Congress, the assembly that coordinated the resistance to the British occupation of the American Colonies, were physicians.1 Three physicians (10.7%) were signers of the Declaration of Independence.2 Two physicians (5.1%) participated in the writing of the United States Constitution.3 Physicians are naturally inclined to give of themselves in the service of others. As modern medicine becomes increasingly complex and a growing number of employed physicians are restricted by employment agreements, direct primary care physicians are in a unique position to take on such leadership roles in their communities.
Physicians possess several attributes that lend themselves well to public service. Medical training involves being able to quickly process and understand a large volume of information and many public service positions demand a similar requirement. Physicians must be able to listen so as to assemble the necessary information before asking critical questions and making decisions. The same skills are required to successfully listen and communicate with the public and constituents. Unfortunately, the demands of the traditional healthcare system erode away the available time of most physicians limiting their ability to be engaged in public service. The direct primary care approach to medicine facilitates a return to a balance in work and life and lends itself in allowing physicians to be further engaged in their communities. Furthermore, direct primary care physicians amplify many of the aforementioned attributes including a compassion for others, strong communication skills, adaptability to situations and strong problem solving skills.
It was within a year of returning to my hometown and opening my practice that I found myself as a member of the board of health for the local public health district. A member of the board of health is an appointed public service position. I brought my background, knowledge and expertise and joined with the other members of the board in the collective service to our community. After only three months on the board I was asked by my fellow board members to serve in a leadership position as vice-president and have done so now for two years. I then recognized a need for such skills in another public service position in my home county and subsequently pursued elected public office. I was elected County Coroner by the voters of Seneca County, Ohio in November 2024 and I will take on that role starting in January 2025.
Winston Churchill once stated, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Direct primary care physicians are facilitating a return to a more pure practice of medicine and such an approach lends itself well to those physicians seeking a higher level of engagement in public service. School boards, boards of health, city councils, elected public office are just some of the numerous opportunities for physicians to become engaged and lead in their communities. As we liberate ourselves in the practice of medicine, let us once again bring our backgrounds, knowledge and expertise out of the clinic exam rooms and into our communities for the service of others.
References:
1. Kennedy LF. Biographical Directory of the US Congress 1774-1971, 92nd Congress, First Session. Senate document 92-8; 1971.
2. Gifford GE. Physician Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Science History Publications; 1976.
3. Ferris RG. Signers of the Constitution. US Dept of the Interior. National Park Service. 1976:136, 187, 218-219.
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