An American Medical Association annual meeting in Chicago, highlighting physician advocacy and healthcare policy concerns.
The American Medical Association (AMA), a powerhouse representing over 270,000 physicians, usually stands as a formidable advocate for healthcare policy. Its lobbying efforts significantly influence federal decisions, with millions spent each election cycle supporting aligned candidates. However, a growing unease is spreading among its members. This concern stems from what many perceive as a deafening silence from the AMA regarding critical issues impacting their profession and patient care, particularly concerning potential actions from the Trump administration. These actions include the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Speaking anonymously, a physician member voiced the anxieties shared by many within the AMA. This “silence doctor,” as they might be termed for highlighting the organization’s quiet stance, expressed fear of retaliation for speaking out. Their concerns revolve around the AMA’s apparent inaction on policy changes that directly clash with the organization’s own established guidelines. (The AMA has not yet responded to requests for comment.)
RFK Jr. Nomination: A Qualification Question Mark
“Back in November, at an AMA meeting,” the physician recounts, “we raised the question with our AMA lobbyists about the possibility of RFK Jr.’s nomination. They dismissed it, suggesting an advisory role at most. The idea of him leading HHS was frankly laughable due to his evident lack of qualifications.”
The physician further elaborated on observing Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearings, stating, “His incompetence to lead HHS was glaringly obvious. It’s not just his promotion of vaccine and fluoride disinformation, but his demonstrated lack of understanding regarding Medicare and Medicaid during questioning.”
Referencing Kennedy Jr.’s past statements, including questioning the safety of mifepristone, the abortion medication, the physician emphasized the need for the AMA to reaffirm its established positions. “Now is the time to remind everyone of the policies physicians have voted for, policies approved by the AMA’s House of Delegates. We must stand by them.”
While smaller organizations have voiced concerns about RFK Jr.’s qualifications, the AMA’s clout and reach are unmatched. “The AMA’s advocacy office in DC, with its lobbyists and advocacy personnel, wields significant influence,” the physician noted. “They could effectively engage Congress and the Senate, representing a vast national physician body, but this voice remains conspicuously silent.”
The physician highlighted the contradiction between the AMA’s stated policy of focusing on policies, not personalities, and the reality of RFK Jr.’s public stance. “RFK Jr. has actively spread misinformation, directly contradicting AMA policy. His statements, if he were to lead HHS, would become policy. The AMA’s silence is perplexing.”
AMA’s Silence on Trump-Era Policy Reversals
The physician further criticized the AMA’s quietude on broader Trump administration policies that directly oppose established AMA stances. “The AMA has a clear policy supporting funding and participation in the World Health Organization (WHO),” they stated. “Trump’s withdrawal from the WHO was a direct violation of this policy, yet the AMA remained silent. Similarly, regarding the attacks on transgender care, the AMA has policies firmly supporting gender-affirming care. Again, silence. Meanwhile, the Trump administration actively seeks to marginalize transgender individuals and penalize physicians providing essential care.”
Sanctuary Hospitals and ICE: Ethical Practice Under Threat
Trump’s removal of sanctuary status for hospitals raised further ethical dilemmas for physicians, according to the interviewed member. “When sanctuary status was revoked, the AMA offered no guidance to physicians,” they explained. “What are we supposed to do when ICE arrives at our doors, or even at a patient’s bedside? This is a direct violation of physicians’ ethical practice. The AMA Code of Ethics prioritizes patient care, regardless of immigration status. If ICE demands information, am I violating HIPAA? My duty is to my patient, not ICE. In the absence of AMA guidance, individual physicians are left to navigate these complex ethical and legal challenges alone.”
“The current administration prohibited all communications of the CDC and other agencies with the public. Now, the public and physicians are left with no information on food recalls or disease outbreaks.“
Bird Flu and Public Health Communication Breakdown
The lack of communication from federal health agencies under the Trump administration, particularly concerning emerging threats like bird flu (H5N1), was another major concern raised. “We are closely monitoring viral illnesses, especially H5N1,” the physician stated. “The current administration’s ban on public communication from the CDC and other agencies leaves both the public and physicians in the dark about vital information like food recalls and disease outbreaks. While state health departments offer some localized information, it’s fragmented and incomplete. Physicians are forced to independently scour state health websites and share information on platforms like Substack. The AMA’s silence on this critical public health communication breakdown is deeply concerning. While not yet a pandemic, the reckless disregard for clear communication regarding H5N1 risks pushing us closer to one. The AMA’s own policy on pandemic preparedness emphasizes the crucial role of communication and collaboration between the CDC, NIH, and state health departments. This silence is a dangerous departure from established best practices.”
Moral Injury and Physician Demoralization
The cumulative effect of the AMA’s perceived silence is taking a toll on physician morale. “Physician burnout is already a significant issue,” the physician explained. “The concept of ‘moral injury’ – the distress experienced when one’s values clash with organizational actions – is increasingly relevant. Many physicians feel demoralized, believing that the AMA, their supposed advocacy organization, no longer truly represents their values or effectively advocates for their patients in these critical areas. This silence deepens the sense of disconnect and erodes trust in the very organization meant to champion their profession.”
