Legislative Report for September 2012

Voting

Don’t forget to vote November 6, 2012!

A recent study was done that examined the voting habits of 85,000 U.S. adult citizens in congressional and presidential elections during the years 1996-2002. The sample included 1,274 physicians and 1,886 lawyers.  The findings were adjusted for variations in demographics. 

The results indicate:  doctors vote significantly less often than the general population.  In elections between 1996-2002,  lawyers voted at a rate that was 22% above physicians.  In the 2002 election less than one third of physicians voted!

How can the medical profession enjoy fair treatment by government?   Make sure that candidates who you feel are “favorable to medicine” are elected.  This can be done by simply voting!

Helpful and Important Election Information

1.             If voting on November 6^th is difficult, PLEASE consider using an “Absentee Ballot”. 

What you need to know about applying for and using an absentee ballot is available at

www.michigan.gov/sos.   Review the Frequently Asked Questions section.  You can also visit

or call your local clerk’s office.  The process is simple; you can download an Absentee Voter

Ballot Application form.   

                   Important deadlines:

·         Voter Registration Form: Absentee Ballot Application: Must be received by your Clerk by 2:00 pm Saturday, November 3, 2012

·         Completed Absentee Ballot: Must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day

2.              Make sure all family members and anyone else that is eligible are registered to vote.  All necessary information can be found  at www.michigan.gov/sos.  The last day to register for the November general election is (postmarked on or before) October 9, 2012.

3.             Attend or host a fund raising event for your legislators and/or judges.   Most people do not like to ask for money.  Consider making a contribution. 

4.             On Tuesday, November 6^th make sure that everyone votes!  Polls open at 7:00 AM,

consider doing it early on your way to the office or the hospital.

Karin Maupin, State Legislative Chairman
&
Deb Droste, Kent County Chairman

Karyn E. Gell, MD

Dr. Karyn Gell with Grand Rapids Allergy and a Member of the Kent County Medical Society was a featured guest on WZZM13’s Healthy You segment titled “Have allergy problems? Here's some advice.”

Brian R. Lane, MD, PhD

Dr. Brian Lane with Spectrum Health Medical Group and a Member of the Kent County Medical Society was a featured guest on WOOD TV8’s eightWest Living Well segment titled “Detecting prostate cancer.”

Susan M. Day, MD

Dr. Susan Day with Spectrum Health Medical Group and a Member of the Kent County Medical Society was a featured guest on WOOD TV8’s eightWest segment titled “When to consider knee replacement.”

Ebony R. Hoskins, MD

Dr. Ebony Hoskins with Saint Mary's Health Care at The Lacks Cancer Center and a Member of the Kent County Medical Society was a featured on WZZM13’s Healthy You segment titled, “Ovarian cancer targets 8 women in one family.”

Jihad A. Mustapha, MD

Dr. Jihad Mustapha with Metro Heart & Vascular and a Member of the Kent County Medical Society was featured in an article on MLive's Michigan Health and Fitness section titled, "Amputation alternative: Grand Rapids doctor teaches others how to save lives by saving legs."

William G. Dodds, MD

Dr. William Dodds with The Fertility Center and a Member of the Kent County Medical Society was a featured guest on WOOD TV8’s eightWest segment titled “Living with (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) POCS .”

Thomas H. Peterson, MD

Dr. Tom Peterson was interviewed about his work with high school students emphasizing the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of good nutrition and exercise in the Grand Rapids Business Journal (September 10, 2012 Vol. 30, NO. 37).

Richard J. Kahnoski, MD

Dr. Richard Kahnoski with Spectrum Health Medical Group and a Member of the Kent County Medical Society was featured on WZZM13’s Healthy You segment titled, “Late VAI researcher Billy Wondergem's work published.”