Washington— Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, an anesthesiologist, Navy veteran, and father, made history this week as he was inaugurated as the new president of the American Medical Association. He is the first openly gay leader of the nation’s largest group of physicians and medical students.
“After three years of immense stress due to COVID, we have faced both a pandemic of the disease and a pandemic of misinformation and bad information,” Ehrenfeld told CBS News, highlighting some of the key issues facing physicians today.
With doctor burnout, skyrocketing medical costs, and legislative measures targeting the LGBTQ community, Ehrenfeld assumes leadership responsibilities during a challenging time.
“Our healthcare system is in crisis, and I hear that from my physician colleagues,” Ehrenfeld expressed.
“Today, there are numerous backseat drivers telling us what to do. Regulators are discarding science and dictating how physicians should practice medicine, creating barriers in care,” he explains.
Ehrenfeld identifies these barriers as the criminalization of healthcare. He shares, “In at least six states, now, I could go to jail for practicing evidence-based care. It’s frightening. When I do what is scientifically and ethically right for my patients, it is disheartening to know that this care is no longer legal, and I could end up in prison.”
He points to areas like gender-affirming care and abortion services as instances where criminalization has occurred. He emphasizes, “Healthcare has recently been targeted in a way that is deeply harmful, not only to patients seeking specific services but to all Americans. When OB-GYNs leave a state due to the criminalization of certain aspects of care, it affects all women in that state.”
Ehrenfeld’s vision includes improving health equity for underserved groups and serving as a role model for young doctors, as well as his own sons. He says, “I hope they learn not to let anything hinder them from pursuing their dreams. And for anyone out there who is different, I hope they see my children and the example I have set, and realize they shouldn’t let anyone hold them back just because of who they are.”
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