Crossett physician installed as president of the Arkansas Medical Society
Alan Wilson, MD, a general surgeon from Crossett, was installed as president of the Arkansas Medical Society on Friday, May 2 at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute at Petit Jean Mountain during the society’s 138th Annual Session. Dr. Wilson has practiced medicine in Arkansas for 19 years and has been a member of AMS since 1995. As president, Dr. Wilson will work with other physicians across the state for the betterment of health care in Arkansas.
After remarks from outgoing AMS President Omar Atiq, MD, all of the past AMS presidents who were in attendance joined Dr. Atiq in inducting into office the Society’s 2014/2015 AMS president. After recognizing Dr. Wilson’s accomplishments, Dr. Atiq led him in reciting the oath of office.
As president, Dr. Wilson pledged to work for all physicians with the goal of making it easier for them to spend more of their days focusing on patient care and the practice of medicine – with as little interference as possible. That said, he also called members to help him in participation in the AMS, saying, “We at AMS need to be available to serve. We’re the team leaders in medicine. We’re looking for all of the participation we can get.”
Some of the society’s most recent advocacy efforts include supporting the extension of private health insurance coverage to working families earning below 138% of the federal poverty level, advocating for responsible and practical reforms such as patient-centered medical homes and establishing a prescription drug monitoring program to combat abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. Other significant advances for Arkansas patients and physicians supported by AMS include establishing a statewide trauma system and passage of the Clean Indoor Air Act.”
The Arkansas Medical Society is a voluntary professional association, established in 1875, representing more than 4,300 physicians and medical students as well as the patients and communities they serve.