MD’s gather at AMA meeting amid reform uncertainty

CHICAGO (AP) — The American Medical Association holds its annual meeting in Chicago starting this weekend.

Doctors are gathering amid challenges facing their profession and uncertainty over health care reform.

Reform opponents want the AMA to revoke its support. But the group is unlikely to change its stance on health care overhaul in voting that begins Monday. AMA President Dr. Cecil Wilson says the group views reform as a first but not final step.

Other challenges facing doctors include rising numbers of uninsured or underinsured patients, Medicare crises, looming doctor shortages, and new physicians shunning primary care to pay off huge medical school debts.

The AMA meeting runs Saturday through Wednesday.