Doctors from all 50 states were called to Washington D.C. for a discussion about health care reform.  Dr. Stephen Gamboa, a clinical instructor in UNC’s department of family medicine represented North Carolina.

Dr. Warren Newton, executive associate dean for medical education at the UNC School of Medicine says it is important for doctors to have their voices heard in the national debate over health care.

Dr. Gamboa is a member of Doctors for America, an organization that supports health care reform in general and specifically affordable health care coverage. 

Dr. Newton cites Massachusetts as an example of health care reform that is not all encompassing.  While the state addressed the issue of coverage, they experienced heavy cost over-run and hospitals that were overwhelmed.  However, through Community Care of North Carolina, social workers, doctors and community hospitals have all worked together to improve quality of care as well as bend the cost curve. 

Dr. Newton says any health care reform should address as many issues as possible.

Dr. Gamboa met with the President on Monday, and will run in the Chicago marathon on Tuesday, capping a very busy 2-day stretch.