March 30 has been set aside as National Doctors’ Day since 1933 as a time to recognize the contributions made by our physicians. While the recognition is appreciated, our greatest satisfaction comes from caring for our patients.
For 132 years, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society has been the physicians’ voice as we worked together to improve health of our community. Through the years the Medical Society has fought polio, promoted immunizations, promoted funding for Health Departments, worked to reduce infant mortality, and promote healthy behaviors. Medical Society physicians worked to establish the state medical board to ensure the professionalism and education of Tennessee physicians. Society efforts also played key roles in the formation of Blood Assurance and the Erlanger Hospital Authority.
In 2003, we formed Project Access to provide health care to low-income uninsured residents. Today more than 780 physicians participate, along with Erlanger, Memorial, and Parkridge hospitals and 18 other partner organizations, and Project Access has coordinated nearly $132 million in donated health care for the uninsured in Hamilton County.
On Doctor’s Day 2015, we want to thank the people of Southeast Tennessee for entrusting us with their health care.
Joseph (Gene) Huffstutter, MD
President, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society