April 18th: An Earthshaking Date in SF
People in San Francisco recently remembered April 18th as the anniversary of the Great 1906 Earthquake. But an important aftershock occurred in SF on this date in 1972, exactly 40 years ago…the UAPD was born. Dr. Sanford Marcus, a local surgeon supported by 250 private physicians and dentists signed the Charter of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. This excerpted mission statement rings truer than ever today “…to enable doctors to give of themselves, unhindered by extraneous forces, for the welfare of their patients…” Dr. Marcus was angry at the way doctors were “pushed off the pedestal” and manipulated by hospitals and insurance companies.
As health care has evolved into a $3 trillion enterprise these forces have become more complex and ubiquitous. Pharmaceutical and durable companies, ancillary competitors, EHR and telehealth technologies, managed care administrators and execs all seek their share of the pie. The cornerstone of our profession , the doctor- patient relationship, has been compromised. The largest force of all is Government. Regulations, forms, oversight, healthcare lobbies and class action suits. And importantly for UAPD, Government as our Employer.
UAPD has had its share of successes over the decades fighting for our members. In 1975 we orchestrated the Anesthesiologists’ strike which led to MICRA reform. In the 1980s we formed SEPA and established collective bargaining for State employees. We stood alone and stood down Governor Pete Wilson in his attempt to destroy unions and collective bargaining. In 1997 under President Weinmann we affiliated with our influential parent union, AFSCME. We formed our own Private IPA. We showed great resolve in regaining our LA County unit after they were discriminated against. Our détente with the prison receivers resulted in great salary increases for our members. Our coalition with other unions has exposed the safety problems of DMH. We continue to organize other California counties and nonprofit clinics. Our efforts to grow now extend into Oregon and Arizona. In numbers there is strength.
And yes, there have been bumps in the road. The Terminator. Furloughs and layoffs. Hospital closures. Adverse publicity. Professional jealousy. Increasing workloads. But none of these tarnish your sacrifice and dedication to society and your colleagues, the wisdom,vision and courage that you all possess in doing your difficult and noble jobs as doctors. Doctors with the foresight to belong to UAPD, still great after 40 years.
In Solidarity,
Stuart A. Bussey, MD, JD, UAPD President