Today, all six Democratic physicians serving in the U.S. House of Representatives formally announced the launch of the Congressional Doctors Caucus.
The caucus is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Americans, advancing pragmatic health care policy and providing fellow Members with insights on critical health issues.
Members of the caucus include:
- Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03) – Internal Medicine
- Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) – Internal Medicine
- Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) – Pulmonary & Critical Care
- Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03) – Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) – Emergency Medicine
- Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – Pediatrics
“Medicine is not just a profession; it is a calling—a lifelong commitment to alleviating suffering, saving lives, and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” said Representative Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03). “By launching the Doctors Caucus, we are continuing that commitment. I’m proud to join my fellow Democratic doctors in creating this caucus, where we will fight for patients and providers. Considering the present political landscape, it is more important than ever that we stand together.”
“As physicians, we bring firsthand experience with the challenges facing patients and providers every day,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06). “This caucus will harness our collective expertise to advance practical, evidence-based solutions that lower costs, expand access and strengthen care delivery. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure every American has access to quality, affordable care.”
“At a time when Republicans are attacking science, slashing health care, and putting politics over patients, Democratic physicians must be organized to fight back,” said Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) “The Congressional Doctors Caucus will be vigilant and active to do all we can to ensure healthcare policy is patient-centered and science-based. We will push back against dangerous misinformation and stand up for every American’s right to have meaningful access to high-quality, affordable health care.”
“We are seeing health care, evidence-based science, and lifesaving research come under attack more than ever before by the Trump-Vance Administration and their Republican majority in Congress. As doctors, we will always stand up for the health and well-being of all Americans,” said Representative Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03). “I am proud to join this group of Democratic doctors to fight every day to protect and expand access to the lifesaving care that Americans need and deserve.”
“I am excited to launch the Doctors Caucus that will fight for quality, affordable health care for American families,” said Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “As doctors we understand the pain and suffering that people endure for not having access to care. We will work to ensure that every American has the health care they need.”
“As Republicans in Congress slash Medicaid, condone the questioning of proven safety and efficacy of vaccinations, and endanger our public health by knee-capping key agencies and medical research, I’m proud to join my fellow Democratic Doctors in creating this Doc Caucus,” said Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). “Together, we will stand up for patients, providers, innovation, science, and common sense improvements that enhance health care and bring down costs.”
A group of Democratic physicians has recently launched the Congressional Doctors Caucus, a new initiative aimed at bringing the expertise and perspective of medical professionals to the forefront of healthcare policy discussions in Congress. The caucus, which is comprised of doctors who are also members of the Democratic party, seeks to advocate for evidence-based healthcare policies that prioritize the well-being of patients and improve access to quality care for all Americans.
The formation of the Congressional Doctors Caucus comes at a critical time for healthcare in the United States, as the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having medical expertise in shaping public health policy. The caucus members, who have diverse backgrounds in various medical specialties, are uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights on how to address the ongoing challenges facing the healthcare system.
One of the key priorities of the caucus is to promote policies that expand access to affordable healthcare for all Americans. This includes advocating for measures to lower prescription drug prices, increase funding for community health centers, and strengthen protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. The caucus also aims to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly among marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
In addition to advocating for healthcare policies, the Congressional Doctors Caucus will also work to promote public health initiatives that aim to prevent and control diseases. This includes supporting efforts to increase vaccination rates, improve mental health services, and address the opioid epidemic. The caucus members will draw on their expertise as medical professionals to inform and shape legislation that addresses these critical public health issues.
Overall, the formation of the Congressional Doctors Caucus represents a significant step towards ensuring that healthcare policy decisions are informed by evidence-based medicine and the expertise of medical professionals. By bringing together doctors who are also lawmakers, the caucus has the potential to drive meaningful change in healthcare policy and improve the health and well-being of all Americans.
