DOCTORS’ LOUNGE
POLITICS AND MEDICINE
Larry Griffin, MD
H
istorically, Louisville Medicine has
tried to steer away from politics, or
at least taking a political position
on various societal topics. We certainly
have presented opinions supporting po-
litical issues which have ramifications for
medical practice, but generally have avoided
appearing to have either a conservative or
liberal bias.
However, as physicians, we are part of a
greater society, and do have opinions about
the same issues as our citizens. And today,
we seem, as a society to be more greatly
and severely divided than among any time
in modern history. Not only do we disagree
on so many issues, we disagree to such a
degree we don’t even talk with those who
hold differing opinions. As a result, all we
hear are those opinions with which we al-
ready agree. Recent articles in a number of
publications have pointed out the danger to
all of us as result of this increasing isolation
from serious dialogue with those holding
differing views. It is clearly more enjoyable
to have your opinions validated by syco-
phants than challenged by others, though
in the long run clearly self-destructive in
terms of growth and maturation.
The divide has become so deep that often
individuals fear stating their true opinions
and beliefs because of the (either actual or
feared) often uncivil reaction to them from
others who disagree. Unless we are all will-
ing to see civil disagreements resulting in
riots in the streets (in my opinion, looting,
smashing windows, burning cars, and as-
sault is not protesting), civil dialogue has
to be reignited.
We as physicians are leaders in our com-
munity, and we should lead by example.
We propose a regular feature in Louisville
Medicine to present both sides of an issue
(liberal and conservative) presented in a
format which respectfully discusses it from
the perspective of those on opposite sides
of the political spectrum. It might be inter-
esting to see how much agreement on these
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Contact McKenna.
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more information
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LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
somewhat contentious issues there is, even
though there are clearly likely to be different
approaches to dealing with them.
This, however, requires you to participate
too, for maximum interest, effectiveness
and benefit. Please submit subjects you
feel are important societal/political issues
you would like to see discussed/debated to
Communications Specialist Aaron Burch at
[email protected]. Also, please suggest
individuals, including yourself, who would
be willing to present the position of one side
or the other on these issues. They might be
medical in nature, but hopefully will not be
limited to those, since the larger societal is-
sues also affect our community, our families,
our profession and our patients.
Your response will determine whether
this idea is worthy or not.
Dr. Griffin is the director for Women’s Health
Policy at Passport Health Plan.
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