Media Contact:
Kelly Thibert, D.O., M.P.H., National President
American Medical Student Association
Email: pr@amsa.org
Sterling, VA – April 19, 2017: As physicians-in-training we are told that we shall be dedicated to learning the art and the science of medicine, and shall pursue this course of study with compassion and respect for human dignity. We recently have begun to wonder, if we are tasked with utilizing science to heal and promote health with compassion and respect for human dignity, why are those who oversee our ability to do so, turning a blind eye to the dismantling of science in our country?
On April 22, Earth Day, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) will partner with the March for Science and Earth Day Network to stand in solidarity for science. We understand that science is non-partisan, but that it does affect all parties. Science is the backbone of medicine, of patient safety, environmental health, public health and many more arenas which affect our population’s health in their day-to-day lives.
AMSA’s National President Dr. Kelly Thibert says, “Understanding the science that underlies patient wellness in a multitude of settings, we aim to serve our nation to improve health and health care delivery to all people. Without evidence-based medicine, innovative research, data and key governmental agencies, we fail to do what we all have taken an oath to do, ‘no harm.’”
“Earth Day has a long history as a day of action. This year we are taking a stand in support of science education and comprehensive science policy and public discourse,” said Dan Abrams, Global Director of Earth Day. “Science is all around us; it’s the foundation of a modern society. From environmental protection to health and wellness, we all depend on science to build sustainable communities.”
In recent years, accepted realities are being questioned and politicized by some of the leadership in Congress and now in the White House.
It is the responsibility of physicians and physicians-in-training to always strive to provide care that is based on the best scientific evidence and founded on solid basic science, clinical and social knowledge. As we are tasked with this responsibility, we will advocate ensuring that we are able to access data, fund research to advance the health of our nation and to help maintain governmental agencies which aide in protecting the health of the people. We will continue to defend the role of science in health care and because of this, we will March for Science.
About AMSA:
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://www.amsa.org.
###
