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AMA inaugurates Andrew W. Gurman as new president

The AMA has sworn in Andrew W. Gurman, MD, as the 171th president of the organization.

According to a press release from the AMA, Gurman will focus on three specific areas during his tenure: Improving physician satisfaction and practice sustainability, expediting medical education changes and bettering outcomes for those with hypertension and prediabetes.

“There are profound changes happening in medicine right now and as leaders of our profession we must respond,” Gurman said in the release. “I have learned quickly about the prevalence of burnout, which affects more than half of U.S. physicians today. I have also witnessed the suffocating impact of administrative paperwork and burdensome regulations, which have no real connection to quality care delivery. It is critical that we find solutions, respond to the tremendous challenges we face, and prepare for those we know are coming.”

Gurman, and orthopedic hand surgeon who practices in Pennsylvania, has worked in an advocacy role with the AMA since he was a student. He has previously served as board liaison to the AMA Foundation and speaker and vice speaker of the House of Delegates.

"I am honored to serve as AMA president during this pivotal time and be a voice for physicians nationwide," Gurman said in the release. "We must work together to build a healthier nation, but the gravity of challenges physicians face today is severe; challenges that have and continue to push many out of the profession. It is my privilege to lead this organization to ensure physicians' needs are met."