A tax and spend, or budget reconciliation, bill that passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate includes provisions that would limit access to medical school loans and loan forgiveness programs — threatening the future of our physician workforce at a time of growing need.

Physicians commit to a career fueled by serving others. What does it mean to integrate that experience into public service? Over the past several months, Zachary West, DO, FACOI, has been finding out for himself. An osteopathic internal medicine physician and longtime ACOI member, Dr. West had the unique achievement of, in 2024, being elected to the office of coroner in Seneca County, Ohio. Dr. West was already accustomed to serving his community as the owner of a local direct primary care practice; he considered this simply a new way to continue doing the same.

When I hear ACOI members describe what they like most about being ACOI members, I often hear words like family, home, friendships, and reconnecting.  I hear about great educational offerings taking place in more intimate settings rather than large convention halls.