Advocates to Impact Quality via Leadership
By Barbara R. Fallon
Some people respond to the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions by cautiously dipping a toe to test the waters and others dive in headfirst to make up for lost time. Judging from the enthusiastic and comprehensive list of goals newly installed Dade County Medical Association President Jose David Suarez, M.D., outlined at inaugural ceremonies, he falls into the latter category!
In addition to supporting progress of past years, Dr. Suarez plans to use the DCMA platform to further elevate the status of the medical profession, increase morale of colleagues, encourage physician leadership and knowledgeable advocacy with legislators, enhance membership recruitment, support outreach programs/ funding to guide and support police dealing with community mental health issues, and increase formal and informal communications to provide a clear voice for physicians in communities they serve.
According to Dr. Suarez, often the medical professional is frustrated with a perceived antagonistic environment of regulatory agencies, government interference, insurance barriers, politics and health disparities resulting in a suicide rate 2 to 3 times the general population.
“Through educational forums and opportunities to participate, I hope to involve our membership – from medical students and residents to faculty and practicing physicians – in an advocacy role in shaping our futures. I also hope we can infuse the philosophy that it is OK to seek help. Most physicians are naturally drawn to helping others and we need to recognize when to ask for help for ourselves when stress impacts either our professional or personal lives,” he said, “as evidenced in this pandemic year, or during severe weather events or unexpected disasters which impact our health system.”
Dr. Suarez also plans to sponsor more organized social interactions – events which can create and reinforce a culture of inclusivity and support for each other to create a healthy workplace for doctors and patients.
“Many doctors work in their ‘silo specialties’ and become isolated. By sharing information in professional and family-friendly activities we gain a more comprehensive view of our role in the health care environment and how we can positively impact each other and our future,” he explained.
Additionally, he noted that the content enriched quarterly DCMA peer reviewed publication, Miami Medical Journal is a valuable communications arm to share research and case studies as well as highlight the individual achievements of members and the organizational impact DCMA provides the Miami Dade community. For example, during the pandemic, DCMA was involved in procuring quantities of PPE not only for physicians but also for their families and community members; promoting information regarding vaccine safety and availability; and working with local government to provide vaccinations. “The DCMA was the only area medical association who recognized that safety of our doctors’ families was also at risk and provided masks as a preventative measure,” he said.
During the pandemic turbulence, DCMA officials were invited as trusted, knowledgeable experts to engage in conversations with community organizations and businesses, journalists, and government leaders to spread compelling information on fighting the pandemic answering questions and ensuring the public that vaccinations were a route to coming through the COVID-19 crisis.
Jose David Suarez, M.D., is a Diplomate for the American Board of Family Medicine, currently serving as Chief Medical Officer and Designated Institutional Official of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Keralty Hospital Miami, where he was integrally involved in creation of a mini-MBA program with Atlantis University. Dr. Suarez has focused on medical education over the past 20 years, beginning with Beth Israel Medical Center. He previously served as faculty at Nova School of Medicine, Florida International University, and the University of Miami. He is a Delegate for the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Suarez graduated from Universidad Central del Este and trained at Christiana Care in Delaware. In Spring 2021 he was awarded the DCMA Quality Designation recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and community service to help patients gain understanding of medical quality in the Miami Dade area.
He worked at the University of Miami Health System at the first academic family medicine department in the U.S. with Dr. Lynn Carmichael (often referred to as the Father of Family Medicine). He enjoyed the opportunity of connecting with patients at many levels while caring for them. He credits his foundation in Family Practice Medicine for instilling enthusiastic and empathetic sensibilities embracing the value of social media, community outreach and his broad scope of goals to enhance the health care experience for physicians and their patients.
During the past 25 years, Suarez gained work experience in the Northeast, Southern California and Florida and believes the Dade County Medical Association has been a leader in inclusivity.
“I am proud that we have recognized the input of male and female medical professionals with Haitian-American, Cuban-American, African American and European ancestry and ethnicity in our ranks. The expertise and diversity among our members better prepare us to practice in this mecca of academic medicine which cares for a melting pot of diverse cultures, races, religions and to deal with a range of socio-economic levels which contribute to health disparities, accessibility, and affordability,” he explained.
Dr Suarez pointed out that all DCMA officers are volunteering their time; however, physicians can help educate and influence opinions within hospital communities to enhance understanding of issues and funding for solutions. The medical community cannot exist in a vacuum and benefits from collaboration with hospital entities to encourage support of venues, policies and resources to promote quality health care delivery, professional development and advancement.
“Excellent medical care must be orchestrated. It won’t occur by chance and physicians are the best advocates for guiding healthcare reform. I am committed to support DCMA in innovative ways to help deliver quality health care and the healing ambiance in a physician/patient relationship,” he concluded.
For more information, visit www.miamimed.com, call (305) 324-8717 or email dcma@miamimed.com.