Why are we passionate about this project?

“Many doctors feel despair about their appalling working conditions and the deteriorating doctor-patient relationship. But there have been no protest marches or social-media campaigns. Why not?”  —The New Yorker, August 5, 2019

On August 5th, 2019, The New Yorker published an written by Eric Topol, MD, asking the question of, “why haven’t doctors organized?”.

He raised such questions as, … … …

These are questions that get under you skin. Physicians do not feel represented on things that matter to us.

So, starting after Dr. Topol’s article was published, a small group of us has been meeting regularly to get the movement started.

Show pics with brief bio’s

Where to put this about top priority?

OUR TOP PRIORITY: “Restoring the human factor—the essence of medicine—which has slipped away”

—Eric Topol

Elevating and spreading ideas that matter

 
 
 

Osler’s Alliance: A new organization of doctors who are committed to protecting what is sacred in medicine—our relationship with our patients

The Opportunity:  We do not have a professional society that is representative of our professionals.  For example, the largest of our groups is the AMA. However, only 17% of the 1.1M US physicians are members (2015 data), membership is down to 17% in 2010 from 75% in 1950s.  The membership is not aligned with our population (70% male, 62% white, 20% UIM, and average age 49 years)

The Problem for physicians:  Survey of 15k doctors, Medscape 2019

  • Burnout 44% of all physicians - 50% women, 39% men

  • Suicide - 14% have thought of it, 1% (10k) have attempted it

  • Too many bureaucratic tasks - 59%

  • Too many hours at work - 34%

  • Increasing the computerization of practice (EHRs) - 32%

  • Emphasis on profits over patients - 17%

The Solution:  A non-profit organization for all doctors built from the ground up on uncompromising human principles.  An organization that will focus on near-term impact today, and fight for a bright future tomorrow. 

Our Principles:

  • We will advocate for authentic doctor-patient relationships with sufficient time and presence with every patient, cultivating optimal communication, empathy and care

  • We will restore the time doctors need to think, to listen, to establish trust, and to build bonds with our patients

  • We will bring physicians together to elevate and spread our shared voice

  • We will place the highest value on diversity and inclusivity

  • We will advocate on societal and global issues that impact health

  • We will confront the transformational challenges that lie ahead for the medical profession

  • We will put humanistic patient care before the business of medicine

  • We will lead in a moral & ethical way

  • We challenge advice that is based on biased evidence or perspective

  • We are building a strong foundation for the next generations of doctors who will care for us all

Traction:

  • We have already attracted some of the top leaders with diverse backgrounds in medicine today

  • We are poised to reach a broad network of influencers

Market:

  • 1.2M US physicians

Business Model:

  • $5/y membership

Use of Funds:

  • Grow and support our community

  • Operating expenses:  website, social network, content creation, events, travel, salaries, fundraising

Steering Committee: 

Gabe Charbonneau, MD

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Sanjay Desai, MD

Jenny Mladenovic, MD, MBA

Emily Silverman, MD

Eric Topol, MD