The Purposes of Unionization in the Medical Profession: The Unionized Profession's Perspective in the United States

Abstract

In the age of the common man, and ever bigger government, inexorable forces have been interposed between the traditionally independent physician in the Golden Age of Medicine in the United States and his patients. These forces, and associated pressures, come from the insurance industry, the hospital industry, and government involvement in the financing of health services. With these forces arrayed against the physician, the author contends that only medical unionism can protect his best interests and can at the same time serve as an effective consumer advocate for the public.