CIR Residents Take the Health Care Fight to the Hill

CIR Leaders joined thousands of doctors and nurses in Washington, DC on June 24 and 25, 2009 for a massive mobilization to fight for health care reform. Dr. Janetta Cureton, CIR Regional Vice President, reports on the Experience:

It was amazing to have the opportunity to lobby on behalf of residents in Florida on the health care reform issues that impact us directly. It was exciting and empowering to see so many doctors from various specialties work together to speak with one voice on behalf of all our patients — especially since every day,we deal with the frustrations of the health insurance industry and have to help patients navigate that system.

The day of action in DC also offered us the opportunity to work together with nurses in a cooperative manner.We kicked off the day with a breakfast and a training session, which brought together two groups that don’t always work well together.We saw how much we could accomplish working as a team.

Visits to our members of Congress reaffirmed the fact that our legislature wants to hear the voices, words and opinions of more physicians on the issue of health care reform.They want to hear from us in all forms of media.  Talking to legislators in person showed me that our role as physicians is truly respected in this country—we are seen as leaders, and people want to hear more from us.