SEPT. 8, 2005 | Congressman Vic Snyder, M.D., of Little Rock recently urged doctors at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to become more involved in national policies that affect their profession.

“If we don’t do it with you, we’re going to do it to you,” Snyder warned a capacity audience at the Aug. 31 Cardiovascular Grand Rounds held at the Institute on Aging’s Jo Ellen Ford Auditorium.

Snyder was the guest of J.L. Mehta, M.D., Ph.D., professor of internal medicine, physiology and biophysics, Stebbins Chair of Cardiology, and director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Mehta is also associate chairman of the Division of Internal Medicine.

Mehta noted the uniqueness of a congressman speaking at Grand Rounds and said he was honored by Snyder’s appearance. Like many of the UAMS doctors, Snyder completed his residency there and practiced family medicine in central Arkansas. Mehta also pointed out that Snyder has a law degree and has served on several mission trips to poor, developing countries.

Snyder spoke of dramatic political, economic and medical changes occurring worldwide, and said more doctors need to take an active role in public policy. “As M.D.s, your opinion is well thought of,” Snyder said.

Congress needs their help, he said, in balancing government’s role in medical care with physicians’ desire to be left alone.

He encouraged doctors to register to vote, keep up with world events and become active citizen lobbyists.

In response to a doctor’s question, Snyder said National Institutes of Health funding – the lifeblood of research institutions like UAMS -- has increased each year. But he said he is concerned that the U.S. is underfunding research in light of significant research investments being made by China and India.

Snyder has represented central Arkansas as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997. He served in the Arkansas Senate from 1991 to 1996. He practiced family medicine for more than 15 years after finishing his residency at UAMS in 1982.

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