From the President's Desk | Paul Azar, Jr, M.D.

January Message

The devastating hurricanes of 2005 and 2008 are behind us, however today we face more economic and healthcare crises.

As I look back on the last six years, I realize how efficient and effective the Lafayette Parish Medical Society has been in giving the structure and backbone medical care needs in these disasters.

When the call was put out by the governor to open the Cajundome as a major shelter.  The medical society's officers were there in the forefront making it happen.  They provided the leadership.  They recruited staff equipment and medications to accomplish this task.  The leadership of Drs. Andy Blalock and Rod Clark provided the nucleus for the medical care after Katrina and Rita.  From this experience, the Louisiana Emergency Medical Unit, also known as LEMU, concept was developed and was first put into action for Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.  These achievements serve as the benchmark for other medical societies to emulate.

Over the last few decades I have seen a remarkable advancement in medical technology and care of the patients.  People talk about the good old days in medicine.  This cannot compare with the level of excellence that we have achieved today.  I have no desire to go back and relive the past.  However, we face the most challenging crisis in our history.  Economic problems of this country and the solutions are focused on reforming health care.  Although I strongly disagree with the concept of socializing medicine, I think we will have to face additional cuts in reimbursement, increase in liability and more government involvement in the pracitice of medicine.  The Lafayette Parish Medical Society and the Louisiana State Medical Society stand strongly behind the doc tors to represent them in maintaining resonable solutions to the economic problem.

Their efforts on electronic medical records and preventive care put them in a leadership role in helping physicians in the state deal with these issues.  I appeal to all the members to be active in our society and recruit members.  Come to the meetings and give a sure input.

This crisis too will pass, but let us remember that our goal remains to maintain and to improve the best healthcare system in the world.  I'm honored to serve as President of the Lafayette Parish Medical Society.  Please help us in achieving these goals.