https://www.statnews.com/2023/09/11/israel-doctors-protests-strike-advocacy-us/

Doctors in the U.S. can learn a lot about advocacy and activism from their Israeli counterparts

By Mical Raz and Naftali KaminskiSept. 11, 2023

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…Today the AMA represents a relatively small percentage of practicing physicians, and a disproportionate number are trainees whose membership is subsidized. It struggles to shake its past, including racism, sexism and a perception of the group being concerned primarily about physician independence and payment. Perhaps because of this history, it is organizationally unable to swiftly and effectively respond to the threats to physician independence, patient rights to equitable and evidence-based care, and to states’ efforts to erode public health measures.

American doctors looking to shake things up should look to their Israeli peers. The first thing is to recognize that given the stark challenges to the independence of the profession, physicians need strong professional organizations that protect the rights of physicians and can take unified action against legislation and regulations that hurt patients.

Secondly, physicians have to overcome their reluctance to strike, given concerns over patients safety. The right of physicians to strike is accepted all over the world, and most professional discussions of the ethics of physicians strikes highlight the balance between the immediate risk to patients and the long-term benefits.