The Others
“Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits.” – Mark Twain.
There is one thing all humans are good at; pointing out other’s perceived deficiencies, all the while thinking oneself infallible and above reproach. The rationale is that it is far better to bend the will of others than to reflect upon oneself and change.
Corporations, at times, are no different than human beings in that regard. And ours is one. The Maricopa County Medical Society, along with every other medical association across this nation, has had tendencies to look upon the others – those who are not affiliated, or members – as the outcasts, the “wrong ones” because “they just don’t get it or appreciate what we’re doing, or are complacent and uncaring about the future of medicine.”
Maybe there is room for self-reflection before pointing fingers. Let us look inward and determine what it is that would change that mindset and begin the catalyst or movement to foster collegiality and common purpose among physicians.
Physicians of all employment types, of all specialties, of all geographic practice locations are welcome in MCMS! Even though all are welcome, there is no one perfect scenario that will transform all independent thinking physicians (who I remind you are human and prone to individual thought, opinions, motivations, ambitions and goals in life) into joining en masse. We do not want robots, mindless sheep, or those with personal agendas and self-serving initiatives. We want physicians who have something to say, a fire in their belly, a purpose to the cause to rise up and become active in the community, active in their daily practices, active with their patients, and active in their professional association for the good of all!
We are here to serve physicians and the community; and we have, can and will do both. The question on how to get all the physicians in the county to join has plagued MCMS since its inception. After 119 years, clearly a simple answer has not materialized and the only thing that came close (mandatory membership in a voluntary association) became illegal many years ago. So the question, more importantly, becomes “What do we do to get all physicians in the county to want to join MCMS?” There is not one single action or event that will ensure that kind of success, it must be a combination of efforts, directions, goals, initiatives and philosophies that will embrace the majority into believing once again, into reinforcing their decision to join or remain a MCMS member.
We do not want to reclaim the past, but rather stake claim and secure our future. Instead of insisting on reforming other people’s habits, let us take it upon ourselves to rectify the situation and commit to the future of medicine instead of waiting for someone else to do it, to change or to act. We are at the crossroads of discovery for MCMS to embark on new opportunities, beliefs and traditions never before seen in Maricopa County.
Write us, fax us, e-mail us, or call us to give us your input and insight into what we have to do to make MCMS an association that physicians want to join from all across the county. I, and the Board of Directors, eagerly wait to hear from you.
The following sums it up perfectly, “Until we unite as one voice, we won’t get what we want; so therefore, we don’t have the right to complain.” - Andy Roddick.
Keep in touch and we’ll talk soon.
Dan Mitten
CEO
Maricopa County Medical Society
Send your comments and ideas to:
E-mail: mcms@mcmsonline.com
Phone: 602-252-2015
Fax: 602-256-2749
Postal: 326 E. Coronado Road, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85004