Arizona Physician Groups Urge Protection of Patient–Doctor Decision-Making
Physician groups in Arizona are urging patients to base healthcare decisions on credible information and counseling from a trusted physician or medical professional amid confusion stemming from misinformation and partisan tension.
PHOENIX, Arizona — The physician community is increasingly concerned about the negative impacts of political and corporate interference on patients’ health. The spread of misinformation and a rise in partisan battles over healthcare are distracting our communities from the quality care patients deserve and physicians are trained to deliver.
The Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP), the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians (AzAFP), the Arizona Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AzACOG), the Arizona Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (AHAC), and the undersigned physician-led organizations stand behind healthcare informed by:
- Rigorous scientific evidence and peer-reviewed research
- The clinical expertise and professional judgment of licensed physicians
- Established, widely recognized medical guidelines and best practices
- The individual needs and circumstances of each patient and their health
- Ethical principles that prioritize patient health, safety, and well-being
"Physicians are collectively committed to advancing healthcare decisions guided by the highest standards of evidence and clinical rigor,” explained Dr. Marc Leib, chair of AHAC, a coalition of more than a dozen physician organizations. “By championing data-driven practices in all aspects of healthcare, we aim to improve patient outcomes and ensure that policies reflect the best available science.”
High-quality healthcare depends on the practice of evidence-based medicine. In turn, evidence-based medicine depends on scientific studies conducted by experts free from influence or bias. When political or corporate interference overshadows this process, the integrity of healthcare is compromised.
“Healthcare is one of the most important systems in the nation,” stated Dr. Jason Jameson, a urologist and president of ArMA. “It impacts every single one of us. As a major system, healthcare has fine-tuned processes in place to protect patients, advance medicine, and create healthier communities. We must continue to rely on these proven processes to evolve in the field of medicine. If we do not, we risk undermining public health and harming patients.”
Healthcare, medicine, and science evolve continuously. New understandings in the field of medicine are gleaned from rigorous and peer-reviewed studies. Clinical practices are then refined as new evidence emerges. This evolution is a strength of modern medicine.
“Research has produced life-saving advancements in medicine, including diabetes management, immunizations, and anesthesia,” remarked Dr. Mariolga Mercado, a family physician and president of AzAFP. “These advancements do not happen overnight, and they shouldn’t because we are talking about people’s lives. Rather, they are the result of careful and peer-reviewed research conducted by physicians and medical experts over the span of decades, and they only work when patients are heard, respected, and free to choose after discussing benefits, risks, and alternatives with their doctor.”
When medicine becomes subject to politics or third-party decision-makers, it often results in conflicting guidance and creates confusion for patients. This confusion is harmful, and it worsens patient outcomes by delaying or diverting the care they need. A patient’s health can be complex, but the approach to delivering quality healthcare is straightforward.
"The physician-patient relationship is built on compassion and trust, and decisions made are evidence-based and shared between patient and physician," stated Dr. Tori Fewell, an OBGYN and chair of AzACOG. "When healthcare is subjected to political and corporate agendas, it erodes trust in medical professionals who have the expertise and compassion required to care for patients. Ultimately, this erosion leads to worsened patient outcomes.”
“Physician-led care means decisions are made in the exam room — between you and your doctor — based on individual needs, verified medical evidence, and the latest clinical guidelines,” said Dr. Jodi Carter, a pediatrician and president of AzAAP. “It also means that, if you ever have questions about your health or your children’s health, you can always bring them to your physician for clear, quality, and expert answers that you can trust to make important medical decisions.”
Arizona's physician community is calling on elected officials across the political spectrum to support a healthcare system where public health and medical decisions are made based on scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and individual patient needs. As physicians advocate for a reimagined healthcare system, they want patients to know: your care is at our core — not politics, not profit, not partisanship.
“As physicians, we put patient care above all else,” shared Dr. Jameson. “We’re asking that patients, elected officials, and community leaders do the same when it comes to decisions impacting their personal health and healthcare in Arizona.”
This release is signed and supported by 22 physician-led organizations in Arizona:
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Arizona Chapter
- American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Arizona Section
- American College of Physicians, Arizona Chapter
- Arizona Academy of Family Physicians
- Arizona Allergy & Asthma Society
- The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society
- Arizona College of Emergency Physicians
- Arizona Dermatology Society
- Arizona Latin-American Medical Association
- Arizona Medical Association
- Arizona Orthopaedic Society
- Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association
- Arizona Pain Society
- Arizona Psychiatric Society
- Arizona Radiological Society
- Arizona United Rheumatology Alliance
- Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists
- Arizona Society of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Arizona Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
- Arizona Urological Society
- Maricopa County Medical Society
- Pima County Medical Society
About Arizona Medical Association
Fostering medicine. Championing care. Serving Arizona.
The Arizona Medical Association is the largest organization in the state representing the interests of all physicians and physicians-in-training. Since 1892, ArMA has been advancing patient care and providing its members with leadership, advocacy, education, and community. Alongside our members, we foster the practice of medicine, champion patient care, and strengthen the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.AZmed.org and follow ArMA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Shelby Job
(602) 291-4670
sjob@AZmed.org
