News & Media
2025 Annual Report From the CEO
I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to lead MSMS as we advocate for Michigan’s physicians. These are indeed interesting times.
Last fall’s elections produced a federal Republican trifecta while ending Lansing’s Democratic trifecta, ushering in a new set of opportunities and challenges. This year also marked the ascendancy of only the seventh Michigan physician to ever serve as AMA President. Our own Bobby Mukkamala, MD, (2020 MSMS President) has become the face of organized medicine as Congress debates the future of Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the role of public health. We could not have asked for a steadier hand on the tiller during such turbulent times.
Back in Lansing, as health insurance premiums rise to new heights—driven by medication costs, increased demand, and advancing technology—lawmakers are urgently searching for ways to control costs. Some have incorrectly concluded that allowing nurse practitioners to practice independently, thereby removing physicians from health care teams, is the solution.
Of course, this is a familiar refrain—one we have heard before and know will only exacerbate the problem. Consequently, MSMS has spent countless hours educating new legislators on why physician-led care is a necessary component of high-quality, affordable health care. Despite significant headwinds,MSMS physician leaders and staff have done an exceptional job ensuring our voice is heard. To contact your legislator, click here to visit the MSMS Engagement Center.
On a more positive note, there is growing bipartisan recognition that Michigan’s CME-heavy physician re-licensure requirements—one of the most extensive in the nation—should be reduced. Doing so would help lessen administrative burdens, which we know contribute to physician burnout. Representative Matt Bierlein (R-97) recently introduced HB 5313, which would reduce physician CME re-licensure requirements in half. We are optimistic about its prospects.
This past summer, another opportunity presented itself when MSMS was given the chance to join the federal MultiPlan lawsuit on behalf of its members. This suit alleges that the insurance industry, through a third-party vendor (MultiPlan), illegally shared data on out-of-network payments, resulting in underpayments for medical services from 2014 to 2024. MSMS members and member practices may be entitled to compensation and are encouraged to consider joining the suit. For more information, watch our informative webinar or read the article we previously published on the topic.
Within MSMS itself, as physician practices continue to evolve, the MSMS House of Delegates (HOD), recognizing the need for modernization, passed a series of resolutions calling for the creation of a Task Force to review MSMS’s bylaws and organizational structure. This Task Force has been hard at work under the capable guidance of MSMS Board Member Brian Stork, MD, and is expected to finalize its recommendations soon. Any recommendations requiring Bylaws revisions would be submitted for the upcoming HOD for consideration.
At MSMS, we continue to be fortunate to have a capable and dedicated staff working hard on your behalf. It has been a great honor to serve as part of that team in 2025.
Thank you once again for your continued membership in MSMS as we work to fulfill our mission of improving the lives of Michigan’s physicians so they can better serve their patients.
Tom M. George, MD, CEO