Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Adam Schiff
09.05.09
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Alhambra, CA
Town Hall Meeting – Congressman Adam Schiff
Given our commitment to vulnerable and underserved populations, it was no surprise to see Harbor Family Med residents and faculty making public our mandate for health reform. A seething, volatile crowd of thousands listened intently to the panel where Rep. Adam Schiff and others discussed options for reworking our broken health care system. Rowdy opponents of reform were met and even superseded by health care reform advocates, as we joined those supporting reform.
When we walked toward the crowd in our white coats, heads snapped around to watch us approach. We were greeted by people we didn’t know, over and over again: “We’re so glad you are here,” and “thank you for coming.” Interviewers with entourages turned their news cameras on us, asking what was important about health reform and how we would respond to the accusations of socialism perpetrated by those fearful of change. One woman touched my sleeve and said, “Doctor, what’s the right answer?”
People often don’t trust politicians. Who do they trust?
They trust their doctors.
This moment in history is our time, our opportunity and our responsibility to use the unique power of our perspective and education on behalf of our patients.
See you at the next Town Hall Meeting.
Dawn Mautner, MD
Chief Resident
Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine
