BALTIMORE, Md. — On Aug. 29, The Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi) and the American Medical Association, joined U. S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. in his call for physicians to take the lead in the fight against opioid addiction.
In a message to all members, MedChi reiterated Dr. Murthy’s call for the physician community to step up and take the lead in the national war on opioid abuse.
Dr. Murthy asked all clinicians to join him in a three pronged approach to the opioid problem by engaging in self education on how to treat pain safely and effectively. He asked to screen patients for opioid use disorder and providing or connecting them with evidence-based treatment.
Physicians should shape how the rest of the country sees addiction by talking about and treating it as a chronic illness, not a moral failing, Murthy stated.
Dr. Brooke Buckley, MedChi President, praised Dr. Murthy’s approach.
“We are particularly pleased with his reminder that physicians have a ‘unique power to help end this epidemic’ and that the ‘public still looks to our profession for hope during difficult moments,’” said Buckley.
MedChi has been taking a leadership role for years in the struggle to fight addiction while ensuring that pain patients get the very best treatment available, said Buckley.
Dr. Murthy’s letter included a web link to a “pain treatment toolbox” for physicians considering the use of opioids in the treatment of pain.
MedChi also offers guidance on opioid prescribing to physicians through its continuing medical education offerings.
About MedChi: The mission of MedChi is to serve as Maryland’s foremost advocate and resource for physicians, their patients and the public health of Maryland. MedChi is a non-profit membership association of Maryland physicians. It is the largest physician organization in Maryland.
For more information, please visit their website.
