After this week’s nomination of Representative Tom Price (R-GA), an orthopaedic surgeon and AAHKS member, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), AAHKS, AAOS and AMA released statements in support of the nomination. “We believe the President’s Cabinet and the Department of Health & Human Services will be strengthened by the leadership of someone who has treated patients and understands the challenges faced by health care providers in meeting their needs,” said William A. Jiranek, MD, AAHKS President in the news release issued by AAHKS.
Gerald R. Williams, Jr., MD, President of AAOS stated, “He has been an indispensable voice within the House Republican Doctors Caucus, making significant contributions to health policy reform and furthering the interests of patients.” Patrice A. Harris, MD, Chair of the AMA Board of Trustees stated, “Dr. Price has been a leader in the development of health policies to advance patient choice and market-based solutions as well as reduce excessive regulatory burdens that diminish time devoted to patient care and increase costs.”
If confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Price would be the first physician to serve as Secretary of HHS since Louis Sullivan, MD (also from Georgia) served from 1989-1993.
