A common thread among physicians is that which drove us to the profession — in some way, we saw medicine being practiced and felt this was what we needed to do. For me, it was seeing the impact that my father, an internist in our hometown of Camden, New Jersey, had on our community.
But although each of us has a reason, our stories themselves — the impetus for becoming a physician — are unique. So too are the experiences we bring to our careers, not just professionally but personally, as well.
Medicine is not one-size-fits-all. Ours is not a homogeneous community, and I am proud of such diversity.
That’s why the MMS is developing new networks of members who help ensure that we are hearing the voices of the multifaceted Massachusetts doctors and students whom we represent.
Our new Minority Affairs Section is dedicated to widening and improving our pathways to leadership, thus increasing the diversity of those who represent our membership of more than 25,000.
Here in Massachusetts, the patient population is also heterogeneous. Not only is it important that the physician community reflect our patients, it is essential that the Medical Society reflect the diversity of the profession.
Good medicine has always incorporated a spirt of inclusion, and the Medical Society celebrates that spirit. Bringing your unique voice to an MMS committee is how we make the Society more diverse. Learn more on the MMS website, massmed.org, under the Governance tab. Consider joining us this year.
— Henry L. Dorkin, MD, FAAP
