News & Media
2025 Annual Report From the Board of Directors Chair
Dear Colleagues,
As we embark upon 2026, I am honored to reflect on the remarkable achievements and ongoing dedication of our medical society. The year 2025 was an incredibly active period for medical advocacy in Michigan. Throughout the year, your Michigan State Medical Society staff and Board of Directors worked tirelessly to fulfill the goals of our members by supporting our state’s physicians. Despite facing constant challenges, our collective determination has enabled us to continue providing the highest quality care to Michiganders, while always fighting for the protection of physician practice sustainability in Michigan.
Physicians should be proud of MSMS’s relentless efforts to protect and optimize medical practice throughout 2025, despite ongoing obstacles. Approximately one year ago we celebrated the success of our governmental affairs team in opposing lame-duck legislative efforts aimed at eliminating caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. In 2025, MSMS championed advocacy positions that prioritized the protection of physician autonomy, the enhancement of patient care, and the advancement of public health throughout Michigan. Additionally, MSMS actively engaged with state lawmakers to address pressing issues such as physician workforce shortages, the expansion of telemedicine, and responses to public health emergencies. By collaborating closely with county and specialty societies, MSMS was able to amplify physicians’ voices at the state level.
While members may see work done by the MSMS staff via communication through Medigram articles, grassroots alerts, and social media, many may not be aware of the incredible work done by them behind the scenes. I will use efforts surrounding House Bill 4399, seeking to expand scope of practice for nurse practitioners, as an example. As this bill would pose a significant challenge to the healthcare landscape in Michigan, threatening best practice and physician practice sustainability, I requested a compilation of activities MSMS was undertaking. It was incredible – there was a lengthy calendar of meetings and communications with multiple lawmakers and their staffs, including Chairs of both the House Health Policy Committee and Rules Committee. There were multiple conversations with the Speaker of the House’s staff, and separately with the Governor’s policy team. MSMS facilitated thousands of members sending over 4,000 emails to legislators and engaged in a messaging campaign that sent nearly 200,000 texts! Two things are clear - though a small staff, their resolve and expertise has never been stronger, and MSMS is the leader in advocacy for physicians in Michigan.
Organized medicine in Michigan, guided by MSMS and supported by our county and specialty societies as well as numerous physician organizations, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping our profession. I have been so grateful to attend meetings with the county physician executive boards, leaders of Michigan’s many specialty societies, and receive public health updates with Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive. These are all valuable initiatives led by our CEO, Tom M. George, MD, to expand our outreach efforts.
In closing and on a personal note, it is with the hard work of our Board of Directors, working on behalf of the membership, that MSMS has been able to accomplish these incredible feats. This could not be achieved without the direction of our membership, and the incredible efforts of our staff. These efforts underscored MSMS’s enduring commitment to both our profession and the communities we serve, ensuring that organized medicine continues to be a powerful force for positive change in 2026 and beyond.
With gratitude, and wishing you all the best for 2026 and beyond,
Paul D. Bozyk, MD, Board of Directors Chair