PCMS Meets With Governor Hobbs Staff

Rep for Governor Hobbs Meets With PCMS Board

Zaida Dedolph, health policy advisor for Governor Katie Hobbs addressed questions from the Pima County Medical Society Board of Directors meeting on August 29. An invitation was extended to Governor Hobbs’ office as part of PCMS’s direct advocacy with government representatives on healthcare issues facing its members.

The growing physician shortage crisis opened the discussion as PCMS President Roy Loewenstein, MD indicated patients are having difficulty getting needed care from many specialties. Dedolph said she and the Governor are aware of the shortage of healthcare resources and the need to recruit physicians to the state. Dr. Loewenstein said the lack of quality healthcare will have an impact on the state’s ability to recruit businesses and employees because of the lack of adequate healthcare.

The Governor hopes to increase resident (GME) opportunities in Pima County and around the state. More medical students are coming to Arizona with a medical schools opening at Arizona State University and an additional osteopathic school campuses opening in Arizona. However, students are leaving the state for residency training because of the lack of opportunity. PCMS and the Governor agree that if more physicians train in the state, they will stay to practice.

Other topics discussed included funding issues from the federal government, increasing access to healthcare for rural and underserved areas and support for the Preventing Maternal Mortality Act. Dedolph said this will all be on the Governor’s agenda when the legislature opens early next year. PCMS plans to follow up with the Governor’s office in the future and meet with additional representatives and candidates who can work on healthcare issues in Southern Arizona.