Media Contact:
Kelly Thibert, D.O., M.P.H., National President
American Medical Student Association
Email: [email protected]
Sterling, VA – April 19, 2017: As physicians-in-training, we are taught to dedicate ourselves to mastering both the art and science of medicine, approaching our studies with compassion and a deep respect for human dignity. Yet, we find ourselves asking—if our mission is to use science to heal and promote health with compassion and respect, why are those who oversee our ability to do so turning a blind eye to the dismantling of science in our country?
On April 22, Earth Day, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) will join forces with the March for Science and Earth Day Network to stand in solidarity for science. While science itself is nonpartisan, it affects all political parties. It forms the foundation of medicine, patient safety, environmental health, public health, and numerous other fields that impact people’s well-being daily.
AMSA’s National President, Dr. Kelly Thibert, states, “Understanding the science behind patient wellness across various settings, we dedicate ourselves to improving health and health care delivery for all. Without evidence-based medicine, innovative research, data, and key governmental agencies, we fail in our fundamental duty—to do no harm.”
“Earth Day has long been a day of action. This year, we take a stand for science education, comprehensive science policy, and informed public discourse,” says Dan Abrams, Global Director of Earth Day. “Science is all around us; it is the foundation of a modern society. From environmental protection to health and wellness, we all depend on science to build sustainable communities.”
In recent years, well-established scientific realities have been questioned and politicized by some in Congress and the White House.
Physicians and physicians-in-training have a responsibility to provide care rooted in the best available scientific evidence and supported by a solid foundation in basic science, clinical practice, and social knowledge. In fulfilling this responsibility, we must ensure continued access to data, funding for research that advances public health, and support for government agencies that play a critical role in protecting people’s well-being. We will continue to defend the role of science in health care, and for that reason, we will March for Science.
About AMSA:
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://amsa.org.
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