Latest updates on ACP's priorities, initiatives

New ACP paper discusses ethics around academic discourse, disinformation in medicine

A new ACP position paper, “Ethics and Academic Discourse, Scientific Integrity, Uncertainty, and Disinformation in Medicine,” addresses pressing issues in health care today, including the challenges of scientific integrity, medical decision making, and the spread of scientific disinformation.

Developed by ACP's Ethics, Professionalism, and Human Rights Committee, the paper underscores that the progress of science and medical practice depends on open, ethical discourse and debate. It stresses the need to tackle evidence gaps, handle uncertainty, and communicate effectively.

Recognizing that scientific evidence is uncertain and changing, institutions should demonstrate humility and respect in the face of disagreement, the paper said. The appropriate response, it noted, is to create an institutional culture that supports openness, independence from social or political forces, objectivity, and organized skepticism. It was published on July 30 by Annals of Internal Medicine.

Article, podcast feature former ACP President on importance of IMGs

George M. Abraham, MD, MPH, MACP, former ACP President, advocated for international medical graduates and highlighted the importance of diversity on a health care team in an article, “Everyone Under the Big Tent: The International Medical Graduate,” and a podcast, both now available on the KevinMD website.

In his column, Dr. Abraham notes that “physicians and patients benefit from a rich tapestry of perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures. Our internal medicine community is diverse, and all sections of our membership must enjoy equal opportunity.”

Watch ACP's CEO/EVP discuss women's leadership in health care

ACP's CEO and EVP, Darilyn Moyer, MD, MACP, recently participated in a Katie Couric Media's roundtable discussion on what women bring to leadership of diverse teams and how they drive business success while working to create a healthier world. Dr. Moyer's conversation alongside other health care industry leaders is on YouTube.

Updated ACP toolkit on climate change and health now available

ACP's Climate Change and Health Toolkit provides members with resources for combating climate change. It includes:

• ACP position papers published in Annals of Internal Medicine,
• federal and state advocacy information,
• reference materials, and
• members-only actionable materials, including Regional Facts, Patient FACTS, and a “Greening the Health Care Sector” document collection.

The “Greening the Health Care Sector” document collection is a recent update to the toolkit that shows physicians and staff how to take action to curb climate change and make their practices more environmentally friendly. Content includes resources on topics like energy management, healthy food, and green transportation. In addition to offering these resources, ACP is a member of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, an organization committed to educating physicians, policymakers, and the public about the health effects of climate change.