Pima County Medical Society Committees

Legislative:  This is an ad hoc committee made up of local physicians who serve on the Arizona Medical Association Legislative Committee. The ArMA committee meets in November and February to give direction to ArMA staff about pending legislation. Our local physicians give and get input from the PCMS Board of Directors.

Managed Care:  Hassles are a big part of medicine today – from paperwork to late payments. This committee will examine all insurance hassles and suggest solutions. Designed to work closer with a similar committee at the state association, the ultimate goal is to work with the insurance industry, regulators and the Legislature to remedy a side of medicine that just doesn't have to be.

Integrative Medicine:  Many physicians are integrating "alternative" methods into their practice. This committee is designed to have physicians from both camps discuss the issues and science involved in this emerging field. Concerns will be discussed and data shared.

Public Health: This is a catchall committee that studies all aspects o medicine that impacts the public health here in Tucson. The committee meets monthly, on Mondays, between 12:15 and 1 p.m. Tomorrow's headlines are often discussed.

BioEthics: Physicians and lay leaders meet monthly to discuss late breaking bioethics cases and local procedures. The committee's objective is to be a citywide resource so every institution is on the same bioethics page.

Board of Mediation: Five physicians are elected to the Board of Mediation and together they attempt to mediate disputes between patients and PCMS members. All mediation is non-binding, but parties are usually satisfied with the process and result.

History: Medical history has not been well recorded in the Old Pueblo. This committee aims to remedy the situation by publishing a local history of medicine in time for the 100th anniversary of PCMS in year 2004. The committee meets every other month and has MDs, DOs, historians and medical archivists as members.