WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The six Democratic doctors in the U.S. House of Representatives have formally initiated the Congressional Doctors Caucus, hoping to use their medical background to inform healthcare policy.
Chaired by Indian American Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), an internal medicine doctor, the caucus aims to advocate for evidence-based solutions to increase access, decrease costs, and improve care delivery. Bera noted the caucus’s focus on tackling the problems confronting patients and providers, adding, “This caucus will leverage our combined experience to drive common-sense, evidence-based solutions that reduce costs, increase access, and improve care delivery.
The creation of this caucus is a significant development in the political landscape, historically controlled by Republican doctors. The GOP Doctors Caucus, formed in 2009, now boasts more than a dozen members and has played a significant role in healthcare policy development. The Democratic caucus seeks to offer an alternative narrative, particularly as healthcare policy remains under attack and debate.
Rep. Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), who is a pulmonary and critical care physician, highlighted the significance of protecting science and patient-focused healthcare with this endeavor. She welcomed the prospect of working with her fellow physicians to make quality, affordable care available to all Americans.
Rep. Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03), the first chamber OB-GYN and abortion rights advocate, emphasized her pride in joining her colleagues to defend access to lifesaving care. Morrison’s victory was a milestone, with her becoming one of the six Democratic physicians to be elected in November, representing an increased presence of medical professionals in Congress.
Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), an emergency room physician, was looking forward to the caucus’s work in advocating for quality, affordable healthcare for American families. He highlighted the coalition’s commitment to advancing the health and well-being of Americans by pushing pragmatic healthcare policies.
Other caucus members are Rep. Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03), an internal medicine doctor, and Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), a pediatrician. Together, they seek to advocate for patients, providers, innovation, science, and common-sense solutions that make healthcare better and less expensive.
The Democratic Doctors Caucus aims to work in close partnership with other lawmakers so that healthcare policies are guided by clinical experience and patient needs across the country.
