I can’t tell you the number of emails, letters, phone calls, text messages that I got when I was elected into this role from people around the world that saw this as an important moment, an important recognition of what inclusivity and equality can be to help advance health equity for everyone. Representation and visibility is so important. That’s not my platform, but it’s a part of my identity.

Why is your being part of the LGBTQ community a big deal at this moment and how will it inform your role as AMA president?Ī: I didn’t run as a gay man. The conversation has been edited for clarity and length. An anesthesiologist, Navy combat veteran and father of two young children, he spoke recently to The Associated Press about his background and new job. It has adopted policies that stress health equity and inclusiveness - moves that inspired critics to accuse it of “wokeness.'Īt 44, Ehrenfeld will be among the AMA's youngest presidents when he begins his one-year term on June 13. Two years ago, the AMA won widespread praise for announcing a plan to dismantle structural racism within its ranks and the U.S. While physician pocketbook issues remain a big focus, the AMA is also a powerful lobbying force for a range of public health issues. Jesse Ehrenfeld first got involved with the AMA as young medical resident, the nation’s largest physicians’ group has tried to shed its image as a conservative self-interested trade association.

And the nation isn’t finished with COVID-19. The medical judgment of physicians is being overridden by state laws.

Transgender patients and those seeking abortion care face restrictions in many places. CHICAGO – The first openly gay person to lead the American Medical Association takes the reins at a fractious time for U.S.

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