2011 AMA Annual Meeting

2011 AMA Annual Meeting

Pediatric neurosurgeon Peter W. Carmel, MD, DMSc, was inaugurated as AMA president on June 21 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. In his inaugural speech, Dr. Carmel spoke of how he always wanted to be a doctor like his father. He urged physicians to remember that practicing medicine is a privilege that comes with a special responsibility. He told them to push for ending health care disparities and increasing access to care. He noted that there is still unrest over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but said, "Remind your colleagues that health system reform is still evolving. And today, every one of us has the opportunity to shape its course. … Now, Congress must address the issues that threaten physicians."

Photo by Ted Grudzinski / AMA