Senator Monnes-Anderson reminds NDs to make sure they're at the health reform table, or they may go hungry.

First of all, congratulations to NCNM for opening the largest natural medicine clinic in Portland; you can read all about it here. It was a lovely opening and the speakers were inspiring, however none so much as Senator Monnes-Anderson who was a champion for the ND Formulary Bill (SB 327) this past session and even continues her efforts post-session.

Two statements by the Senator really spoke to me. First, she reminded NDs that the only way her profession, nursing, has been able to achieve the political clout it maintains is by joining together and supporting their professional organizations and lobbyists. Political power is not gained by simply doing a good job, it requires you to "play the game." My mother used to tell me I had to learn to play the game and I hated the idea of that, but I think she may be right, especially in some circumstances. NDs, you need to support and join the OANP and you need to keep up with the political workings of your profession. Your long-term success depends on it.

Second, she admonished NDs that the landscape of health care is changing dramatically as our nation, Congress and Obama pushes for reform. Change is coming in a big way. NDs stand to become THE source of primary care physicians, but if NDs are not at this "table," they will be sent to bed hungry. There will not be another opportunity quite like this one and it needs to be capitalized on if NDs are going to have a place in our health care system.

For some this is not why they got into medicine, and when your medicine has been invalidated or worse for generations, it is daunting to put yourself out there and demand parity in the system. Shake it off and buck up buttercup, it's now or never! Get in touch with Laura Farr at the OANP and ask how you can help. Get in touch with the AANP and ask how you can help. Now is the time. Our nation needs you and they just don't know it yet.

See you on the front lines!