The relationship between a physician and his or her patients is among our nation’s most intimate and important, but it’s influenced by numerous external factors.
Here in Michigan, three state departments in particular impact the way physicians practice medicine, keep the lights on and treat patients. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the state Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) each has a role to play in the ways physicians practice and patients obtain the health care they need.
This year, spinning out of last fall’s elections, each also features new leadership.
In this edition of Michigan Medicine, we profile these departments and their new Directors. You’ll learn about some of the specific ways the state interacts with physicians – from partnering to combat the opioid crisis, to Healthy Michigan, physician training, and auto no fault insurance reform. You’ll also get to know the individuals at the helm of each department, and even learn a little bit about the political appointment process.
The Michigan State Medical Society and its members – partners like you – are on the ground in Lansing interacting with these departments each day.
Helping them understand a physician’s commitment to patients, role and responsibilities in health care couldn’t be more important. We hope you’ll take the chance to get to know the new Directors, learn a little more about what makes them tick, and about the initiatives that impact the way you practice medicine.