Why the physician voice is needed now more than ever

Over the past 2 years, I have often referenced the importance of finding silver linings in the face of unprecedented challenges. Events at home and abroad over the last few months have tested this notion. We have all experienced a period of prolonged stress for much of the last couple of years, and we now face the anxiety of a large-scale war playing out on the world stage, repeated gun violence, social unrest, and the enduring unpredictability of COVID-19 and its variants. Any one of these developments can feel overwhelming and difficult to comprehend on their own, yet we are faced with processing them all at once.

During this period when many individuals may feel uncertain about what the future holds, physicians and clinicians can be a guiding light. Early in the pandemic, doctors were rightfully acknowledged for their heroic efforts while they responded to the exceptional challenges that COVID-19 presented. It’s vital that the medical community redoubles its efforts to support physician voices so that they can once again be looked to for guidance during these times.

My organization, The Permanente Federation, helps to amplify Permanente Medical Group physician voices as part of its core mission. It’s a duty that has become increasingly essential during these difficult times when silver linings are- sorely needed.

Calls to action

On our website and via social media, physicians have shared stories about following their calling to support thousands of refugees in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Others have supported meaningful causes closer to home and around the globe. Through these actions, people can see the humility and compassion our doctors bring to a situation where psychological and emotional support is needed just as much, if not more than, medical aid.

Following incidents in Tulsa, Uvalde, Buffalo, Laguna Woods, and other areas of the country, we supported Permanente physicians taking part in live chats and interviewing with major news outlets on the subject of gun violence. They shared their expertise on topics such as talking to children about gun violence and workplace safety for health care workers. Additionally, the doctors and care teams at Kaiser Permanente were part of a public pledge to establish a new Center for Gun Violence Research and Education that will focus on prevention through care innovation, research, and education.

We also continue to open avenues for Permanente physicians and clinicians to serve as trusted community voices, influence public policy, and promote informed dialogue on key issues shaping the future innovation of medicine. Doctors and leaders at Kaiser Permanente are regularly working with local and national government policymakers to inform decisions around access to acute care, vaccine distribution, hospital at-home, and much more. Our efforts in clinical quality, communications, business strategy, and beyond are powering the voice of Permanente Medicine so valid, science-based information is available where and when it’s needed most in the communities we serve.

Delivering on our promise

Society is going through another compounded stretch of challenges that require the medical community to come together and build on its purpose. We need to lift the voices of physicians, clinicians, nurses, and care teams, spotlighting their important work and wisdom. This perspective is fundamental to serving our communities during times of need.

We are at a stage where key learnings and best practices from the past few years of responding to major shifts in the medical landscape must be hardwired and shared. This includes factoring in social determinants of health, addressing gaps in access to technology, and strengthening doctor-patient relationships in an increasingly virtual world. To do this, health care organizations need to prioritize, developing new and existing channels for medical research and expertise to be heard.

I have the privilege of seeing the great impact of this first-hand working alongside my Federation leadership colleagues in support of the Permanente Medical Groups. As our efforts evolve, it’s my belief that we will raise our own bar and set an example for the health care industry to follow when speaking to today’s complex challenges. And that is the silver lining I now see on the horizon.