Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, but the miracle was not on 34th Street; rather, it was at 1305 Abbott Road, East Lansing, Michigan. Despite having downsized our staff, what did not diminish was the intensity of our advocacy efforts. MSMS, led by CEO Tom George, MD, along with his dedicated staff, successfully thwarted last-minutes attempts by both Chambers of the Michigan Legislature to increase the caps on non-economic tort damages during the time-limited lame-duck session.

Between mid-November to mid-December, MSMS spearheaded a coalition of like-minded partner organizations and orchestrated a winning strategy to defeat HB 6085 and SB 1158. MSMS analyzed the bills, activated its grassroots network of physician members through legislative alerts, and coordinated outreach to key legislators. Despite being limited to only three minutes of testimony against the bills in committee, MSMS successfully coordinated the submission of over 100 opposition cards, compared to only five cards in support.

County Medical Societies, Physician Organizations, and hospital medical staff sections rose to the occasion. They recirculated the MSMS alerts, contextualizing them for their own members, further amplifying legislative outreach efforts. 

The common thread driving this success can be summarized in one word, “engagement.” These engagement efforts resulted in the legislation’s demise as the session ended.

Have you asked yourself what would have been the consequences if the bills had passed? According to the Doctors Company, which insures 5500 Michigan physicians, liability insurance premiums were estimated to increase by 37 percent. Could your practice sustain such an increase?

In contrast, MSMS membership and contributions to MDPAC represent a small yet critical investment. Much like homeowners or life insurance, these investments protect our ability to practice medicine. We need a strong MSMS to defend us against ongoing assaults on our profession.

The trial attorneys’ super PAC, Justice for All, has raised and spent over $10 million on Michigan Supreme Court races alone since 2020.[1] Meanwhile, MDPAC raises less than $50,000 annually from our members. One Physician Organization, the Great Lakes Physician Organization (GLPO), recently created its own PAC and contributed to local candidates during the 2024 election cycle. Though modest compared to the trial lawyers’ contributions, these efforts combined with grassroots lobbying, support legislators who value the essential role physicians play in caring for their constituents.

A spectacular way to start the new year would be to urge a non-member colleague to join MSMS and to encourage every member to contribute $300 to MDPAC. The results MSMS achieves clearly demonstrate that this investment is money well spent.

Best wishes for a peaceful and healthy holiday season!