FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 16, 2014
Sterling, VA —The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), an independent association representing almost 40,000 physicians-in-training in the United States, supports the appointment of Dr. Vivek Murthy for U.S. Surgeon General. Dr. Murthy was a member of AMSA during his medical training.
Nominated by President Barack Obama, Dr. Vivek Murthy has garnered intense opposition from the National Rifle Association and its supporters for his long-time support of increased gun regulations for private owners in the United States.
Guns are involved in about 85 deaths each day in this country. Each year, more than 60,000 people suffer nonfatal injuries from guns.
“As the founder of Doctors for America and a former emergency room physician, he has dedicated himself to expanding access of affordable health care and advocating for his patients,” says Dr. Nida Degesys, AMSA national president. “The role of the U.S. Surgeon General should be to advocate on behalf of a public health crisis, such as gun violence. With his past experience and insight into the crisis, AMSA believes Dr. Murthy is ready to become ‘the nation’s physician.’”
AMSA urges the enactment of effective federal violence prevention legislation which calls for a ban on the sale, manufacture, importation, ownership and possession of guns in the United States, except for police, military and hunting purposes. The organization also encourages further studies on violence as a public health emergency.
About the American Medical Student Association
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 www.amsa.org.
