The Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society Med Journal May 2019 Final 2 | Page 18

Member Physicians Serve in the 92 nd
General Assembly as Doctor of the Day
Laura Haywood
Doctors of the Day have served year after
year,” says Hawkins, “but we’ve added some
new faces to the list this year. It’s always ex-
citing to share this experience with someone
who hasn’t seen firsthand the action of state
government.”
During the legislative session, the Arkan-
sas Medical Society commits to providing a
physician member to serve as Doctor of the
Day for the Arkansas State Legislature. This
unique volunteer opportunity allows physi-
cians to connect with legislators one-on-
one, get a first-hand look at the legislative
process and how it affects the practice of
medicine.
Kathyrn McCarthy, MD, OrthoArkansas spine
surgeon, enjoyed her first experience as Doc-
tor of the Day in March. “What a unique op-
portunity to see how the process comes to
fruition! An insight into an entire other world
bringing our skill set to the table. It was a
pleasure to meet our lawmakers and be inthe
Capitol for the day. I encourage people to do
this ... you will not regret the time spent,” said
McCarthy.
As a part of this long-standing program, Doc-
tor of the Day physicians are granted floor
privileges to both chambers of the State Leg-
islature and are introduced in the House and
the Senate. They also have the opportunity to
attend committee meetings, such as Public
Health, Welfare, and Labor, where many of
our front-line advocacy takes place.
Doctor of the Day is not only a distinguished
title, but also an opportunity to provide health
care to members of the Legislature, legisla-
tive employees, and other guests who are
at the Capitol on that day. The Legislative
Infirmary features its very own exam room
equipped with basic exam equipment, and
physician coverage is scheduled each day the Legis-
lature is in session, typically January through April. It
is also staffed with two experienced nurses to assist
in any minor medical situation that may arise.
“There are some sample medications for use in
the infirmary, but there are not any controlled sub-
stances,” said Legislative Support Specialist Laura
Hawkins, coordinator of the AMS Doctor of the Day
program. “If a situation becomes serious, we will
call MEMS and have the first responders take over.”
Representative Lee Johnson, MD, an emergency
medicine physician from Greenwood, said he’s
grateful for his colleagues volunteering their time
to serve in this program. “The Doctor of the Day
program provides a great opportunity for members
of our medical community to interact with the leg-
islative body. Our representatives and senators are
Doctors of the Day Dr. James E. Hunt (right) and Dr. Jeff
Kirsch (left) with Gov. Asa Hutchinson on their day at the
Capitol.
Doctor of the
Day
very appreciative of the time our physicians give
to be at the Capitol and enjoy the opportunity to
visit with them during their participation in the pro-
gram,” he said. Dr. Johnson even got to experience
the program from both sides. “One day this session
our Doctor of the Day was unable to attend, so I
stepped in. I saw five patients, four elected officials,
and one government employee. I was surprised to
learn Doctor of the Day was not just a figurehead,
but actually has to work a little. My thanks to all
that have participated and saved me from pulling
double duty.”
Also serving for the first time was Johnathan
Goree, MD, the Director of the UAMS Inter-
ventional Pain Management Services. “The
nurses that run the clinic in the Capitol are
OUTSTANDING. They are incredibly helpful
with seeing patients and navigating the ses-
sion. I look forward to serving again during
the next session,” he said.
Appathurai Balamurugan, MD, state chronic disease
director for the Arkansas Department of Health,
served as Doctor of the Day for five years. “Serving
those who serve Arkansans gives me immense plea-
sure, and it also gave me a whole new understand-
ing about governance by Arkansas Legislature,” he
said.
It’s so important for our members to have a physical
presence at the Capitol during legislative session in
order to bring the voice of medicine to the Arkansas
legislators. We appreciate all of our volunteers who
have served our legislators, employees, and guests
during this session.
Doctors of the Day represent a diverse audience of
different specialties and organizations. “Many of our
The Arkansas Medical Society and the Arkansas Department of Health would
like to share our sincere gratitude to the Capitol Infirmary nurses, Sherry
Barnard, RN, and Brenda Huett, RN, for their service during the 92nd General
Assembly. Barnard and Huett have served in this capacity for five years.
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