Growing momentum + growing impact

Bringing physicians together to stand up for the sacred patient-physician relationship

February 2024

Dear Medicine Forward Community,

Imagine physicians speaking up on behalf of the sacred physician and patient relationship.

Imagine physicians and all members of the care team being supported as they care for patients and families – with physician burnout and suicide rates decreasing.

Imagine a coalition of transformation catalysts uniting to improve healthcare across the country – moving beyond financial drivers toward true fulfillment of the Quadruple Aim.

These steps are being taken – thanks to Medicine Forward members and every person who takes the time to learn about and contribute to creating a health system led by clinicians and serving every member of the community equitably.

Medicine Forward is growing our influence.

• Over the past month, we have welcomed dozens of new members with diverse backgrounds from communities across the country. Once you join, you can access our social platform to connect with like-minded professionals who can inspire and support you on your journey to speak up for the healthcare system you want to see. 

• Our bi-weekly community meetings are a valuable venue to connect 1-1 with others who are contributing to health care transformation from different sectors and perspectives.

• Please consider joining with a $5 annual membership fee. Our impact increases when we work together on our shared advocacy agenda.

Medicine Forward is poised to significantly increase the voice for physicians, members of the care team, and patient advocates across the country to improve care for all.

• Over the next 30 days, the Medicine Forward board will be recalibrated and rejuvenated with new members and ambitious new plans. We are actively working to formalize connections with some of the top physician and patient advocacy voices and organizations across the country in a united collective impact agenda to combat high physician suicide rates, reduce clinician burnout, and increase the voice of patient and community advocates.

• The Medicine Forward Team is developing plans for a national Gathering for Transformation for our community of change agents to come together in Summer 2024 to unite in support of a shared advocacy agenda and build our network.

• We are inspired by innumerable glimmers of positivity:

  • Expansion of the Safe Haven, a resource for doctors to discreetly receive mental health support

  • Tina Shah, MD for her leadership in bringing a coalition together that helped sign a bill into law in New Jersey for prior authorization reform.

  • The coalition that All In: Wellbeing First for Healthcare is bringing together to turn the tide on mental health support for the healthcare workforce.

  • The physician leadership and investment strategies of the Global Health Impact Network – catalyzing the innovation needed to transform healthcare.

• Make a donation now to support the development of our foundation and programming. We are an all-volunteer led group of passionate leaders from all sectors of the healthcare system. We can do so much more with additional time, talent and treasure. 

Medicine Forward members, take action! Connect with a fellow member or colleague to recenter on what matters most to you in your calling.

For those not yet members, join today! We look forward to broadening our community and our impact.

Thank you,

Gabe Charbonneau, MD, Co-founder
Todd Otten, MD, Impact Officer
Lisa Scardina, Strategy and Implementation Officer

Share what you are doing and reach out to others to ask for help. Medicine Forward is first and foremost a community of support. We can connect each other to resources and ideas that will help each member be energized and find a great next step to make a positive difference. Use our Mighty Networks platform to connect or reach out via email at info@medicineforward.org and please renew your annual membership to stay connected.

Thank you, ShiftUp Strategic Change Agency, for use of this graphic.