Last month, more than 700 physicians and medical student delegates from across the country gathered in Chicago for the American Medical Association (AMA) Annual Meeting. During four days of House of Delegates (HOD) proceedings, delegates considered nearly 250 resolutions and reports through eight reference committees, engaging in thoughtful debate on issues shaping the future of medicine.

AMA delegates bring together their clinical expertise, the best available scientific evidence, and the perspectives of their state medical associations, specialty societies, and sections to develop policy on a broad range of issues affecting both patients and physicians.

Among the AMA's highest advocacy priorities are Medicare physician payment reform, prior authorization reform, reducing administrative burden, protecting physician-led care, insurance reform, preserving Medicaid access, promoting physician well-being, and safeguarding physician autonomy.

As an elected AMA Delegate representing the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA), I have the privilege of serving alongside 10 fellow delegates and 11 alternate delegates who represent Ohio in the House of Delegates. This year, I was also honored to be elected Vice Chair of the Ohio Delegation. Many of the challenges facing Ohio physicians extend well beyond our state's borders, and the AMA provides an important forum for ensuring Ohio's voice helps shape national policy.

While it would be impossible to summarize every issue considered during this year's meeting, several discussions stood out.

One of the strongest messages from the House was the desire for the AMA to speak more forcefully in opposition to federal policies and nominees that negatively affect patient health and the practice of medicine. Historically, the AMA Board of Trustees has often taken a measured approach—carefully balancing advocacy with maintaining productive relationships across changing administrations. Many delegates expressed the view that this strategy no longer adequately serves physicians or patients. The House made it clear that, when policies threaten patient care or the integrity of the medical profession, the AMA must be willing to speak clearly and publicly.

Another topic that generated significant discussion was the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. Delegates broadly recognized AI's tremendous potential to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and support clinical decision-making. At the same time, there was strong consensus that AI must remain a tool—not a substitute for physician judgment.

As AMA CEO John Whyte, MD, MPH, stated during the meeting:

"AI has enormous potential in health care, but it cannot replace physician judgment. Patients deserve care decisions that are informed by the latest medical evidence and guided by a physician who understands their individual needs. Whether AI is helping a physician make a clinical decision or assisting with an insurance review, there must always be transparency, accountability, and meaningful physician oversight. Technology should support better care—not stand between patients and the care they need."

Another noteworthy action taken by the House was the adoption of policy opposing the routine use of the term provider when referring to physicians. Delegates expressed concern that the generic term diminishes transparency about the unique education, training, and responsibilities of physicians while making it more difficult for patients to understand the distinct roles of members of the health care team.

This action aligns with a recent American College of Physicians (ACP) ethics position paper, which argues that referring to physicians as "providers" is more than a matter of semantics. Rather, it reduces medicine to a commercial transaction and undermines the ethical, fiduciary nature of the physician-patient relationship. The ACP recommends using profession-specific titles whenever possible—or broader terms such as clinician or health care professional when referring collectively to multiple professions.

Leadership transitions were also an important part of this year's Annual Meeting. Sandra A. Fryhofer, MD, an Atlanta-based internal medicine physician, was elected AMA President-Elect. Willie Underwood III, MD, a urological surgeon from Buffalo, New York, was inaugurated as the AMA's 181st President.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Underwood emphasized the importance of physician leadership during a time of rapid change in health care:

"We are living through a defining moment in American health care, one that demands leadership grounded both in clinical experience and in a commitment to equity. As president, I will focus on bringing physicians together to close the gaps in access, outcomes and opportunity so that every patient, in every community, receives the care they deserve. We must build a system that works, not only for some of us, but for the sum of us."

AMA CEO John Whyte, MD, MPH, echoed that theme in his remarks to the House of Delegates:

"Throughout its history, the AMA has led by defining what better medicine should look like—a system grounded in science, in ethics, in innovation, and above all, in trust. That responsibility now belongs to us—not simply because medicine is changing, but because we can still shape what it becomes."

The AMA House of Delegates remains one of the most influential physician policy-making bodies in the country. Policies adopted by the House direct the AMA's advocacy before Congress and federal agencies, guide development of educational resources and research, and shape the organization's collaborations with medical societies and other stakeholders. Every resolution debated represents an opportunity for physicians to influence the future of medicine.

Serving as an AMA Delegate continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional service. It is a privilege to represent Ohio physicians, help shape national policy, and ensure that the perspectives of our members are heard on issues that ultimately affect the care we provide our patients every day.

This is why participating in organized medicine is more crucial now more than ever. Together we can make a greater difference, and we need your help.

Join the AMA, the Ohio State Medical Association, and the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati (in addition to your specialty societies!). Please make your voice heard!!

AMA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the American Medical Association (AMA)?

Founded in 1847, the AMA is the nation's largest professional association and physician advocacy organization. Its mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and improve the health of the public.

What is the House of Delegates (HOD)?

The House of Delegates is the AMA's principal policy-making body. It establishes AMA policy on medical, scientific, professional, public health, and governance issues and directs the AMA Board of Trustees to carry out those policies through advocacy and organizational action.

Who are the delegates?

Every state medical association and more than 120 national specialty societies are allocated delegates based on AMA membership. In addition, delegates represent medical students, residents, women physicians, international medical graduates, minority physician organizations, and other physician interest groups. As a result, most physicians are represented through multiple overlapping constituencies.

Where do resolutions come from?

Any AMA delegate, state medical association, specialty society, or section may submit a resolution. Most arise from emerging issues, gaps in existing policy, or opportunities for the AMA to take a new policy position.

Reports are prepared by the AMA Board of Trustees or one of the AMA Councils, often at the request of the House of Delegates, to study specific issues or respond to developments in medicine, public health, or health policy.

What happens after a resolution is adopted?

Once adopted, a resolution becomes AMA policy or modifies existing policy. It may direct the AMA to advocate for legislation or regulatory changes, develop educational resources or clinical guidance, conduct research, publish reports, or collaborate with other organizations. In short, resolutions are one of the most effective ways physicians can shape national health policy and the future of medical practice.

When is the next meeting?

The AMA HOD meets twice a year. The Annual Meeting is held in Chicago every June, and the Interim Meeting rotates across several locations. The 2026 Interim Meeting of the HOD will be held Nov. 6–10 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Florida. Sign up and join!

Chris Paprzycki, MD FACS
President, Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati
Delegate, Ohio Delegation to the AMA
At-Large Councilor, Ohio State Medical Association