In recent years, there has been a concerning trend in the healthcare industry - the increasing number of medical groups being taken over by private equity firms. While the promise of financial investment and operational efficiency may seem appealing to some, it is crucial for medical groups to seriously consider long-term implications of such takeovers on the quality of patient care and the autonomy of healthcare providers.

Maintaining independence is essential for groups to uphold their commitment to patient-centered care. When medical practices are owned by private equity firms, the primary focus often shifts from providing high-quality care to maximizing profits, resulting in decisions being made based on financial considerations rather than what is in the best interest of patients. Healthcare providers may find themselves under pressure to see more patients in less time, leading to diminished quality of care.

Private equity involvement can erode physician's autonomy as they find themselves constrained by corporate mandates and profit-driven directives, limiting their ability to make decisions based on their clinical judgment and their patients' needs. This can ultimately compromise the doctor-patient relationship, the foundation of effective healthcare delivery.

It is crucial for medical groups to resist the allure of private equity takeovers and prioritize their independence to safeguard the quality of patient care and the integrity of the healthcare profession. By remaining independent, groups can continue to prioritize patient well-being, uphold professional standards, and maintain the trust of their communities.

The importance of medical groups maintaining their independence in the face of private equity takeovers cannot be overstated. It is imperative for healthcare providers to prioritize patient care over profits and to uphold the values of the medical profession. By resisting the pressures of corporate ownership, medical groups can ensure that their primary focus remains on delivering high quality, patient-centered care. This mandate must extend inward to the American Society of Anesthesiologists as well, as members and delegates cast votes for future leaders this October.

How can independent groups and physicians expect to receive the support they so crucially need from ASA when their own association is being led by someone on the payroll of private equity?

We implore voters to consider the ramifications of putting private equity at the helm of the organization purported to advocate for all anesthesiologists and must not allow those with ties to private equity to hold positions of leadership.