Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH President | Official website
Dr. Ehrenfeld, an anesthesiologist from Milwaukee, addressed pressing challenges facing the physician workforce and healthcare access amid a national physician shortage. He emphasized significant accomplishments by the American Medical Association (AMA) over the past year, including reductions in prior authorization requirements by major insurers, a new CMS rule to streamline prior authorizations for government-regulated health plans, a decline in drug overdose deaths for the first time in five years, and the defeat of over 100 state-level bills that would have expanded nonphysician scope of practice.
"Reforming our broken Medicare payment system that punishes doctors for being doctors is why we fight," Dr. Ehrenfeld stated. "Medicare reimbursement has plummeted 29 percent since I was in medical school. 29 percent, and that’s after the AMA was able to claw back half of the planned cuts for 2024."
Dr. Ehrenfeld highlighted Medicare reform as AMA's top advocacy priority due to its impact on physician practice sustainability and patient care access. He noted growing Congressional support for reforms aligned with AMA's models.
"I am proud to stand here before this House to tell you that momentum is shifting toward significant reform," he said. "We are keeping the pressure on because our current system is unsustainable and because physicians shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll keep the lights on."
Dr. Ehrenfeld's term as AMA President concludes on June 11 when he will become immediate past president.
In his prepared remarks titled "Why We Fight," Dr. Ehrenfeld reflected on his tenure and personal sacrifices made during his presidency. He underscored his commitment to addressing injustices faced by patients and physicians, advocating for science and ethical standards, and improving healthcare inclusivity and sustainability.
"This moment in healthcare demands my attention—this is my fight," he declared. "The stakes are high... The demands on physicians are unrelenting... And so, we summon our strength and speak out."
He recounted various engagements throughout his presidency, including meetings with Black physician groups, federal agencies discussing mental health parity laws, military medical personnel regarding cuts impacting readiness, and advocating against discriminatory practices like blood donation bans for gay men.
"On these occasions – and so many others throughout my presidency – I was reminded of the importance of showing up," he said.
Dr. Ehrenfeld praised AMA's efforts in combating issues such as physician burnout through programs like Joy in Medicine, advocating against unsafe scope expansions by nonphysicians, reducing administrative burdens like prior authorizations, and addressing systemic inequities within healthcare.
"Our families are why we fight," he concluded. "Our patients are why we fight... And why we’re going to keep fighting until this work is done."
