For better health care

Physicians struggle daily with the shortcomings of our health care system, and we agree that much more can be done to build a better, stronger health care system ("World's Best Medical Care?," editorial, Aug. 12). To accomplish this, all Americans will need to work together.

Lawmakers need to make health care a priority issue, working to provide all Americans with access to affordable health care coverage. Physicians and other health care providers need to work together to improve the quality of care. Patients need to do their part by committing themselves to healthier lifestyles, avoiding those excessive behaviors that we know lead to poor health.

The AMA is proud to be working across all these fronts. We have a plan that would cover our uninsured, are developing physician care measures to improve quality, continue to campaign against smoking, obesity and alcohol and encourage healthy lifestyle choices among patients.

At the end of the day, however, commitment from all is needed. Our country has a long track record of coming together to successfully tackle the challenges facing it, and there is no better common goal to strive for than a strong.