TalkoftheTown: Demonizing health care providers won’t fix physician shortage crisis

New Mexico’s physician shortage is anything but ‘propaganda’

New Mexico’s health care crisis is undeniable. While legislators debate the physician shortage, New Mexicans can’t find a doctor.

For those experiencing a serious health issue, the fear and anxiety can be crippling.

I was born, raised, educated and am raising my family in New Mexico. I have devoted my career to treating New Mexicans as a physician. Despite daily offers from other states that include better pay and improved work-life balance, nothing shakes the dedication I have to my patients. We must do better to recruit and retain physicians in New Mexico.

During a recent presentation to the interim Legislative Health & Human Services Committee, I presented innovative solutions to the physician shortage, ranging from the elimination of prior authorization requirements to the creation of a Medicaid trust to secure care for generations to come. Instead of exploring those solutions, state Rep. Eleanor Chávez, D-Albuquerque, demanded to know my personal salary and my practice’s gross income.

To make matters worse, when presented with data that New Mexico is the only state to have lost physicians in recent years, state Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson, D-Albuquerque, proclaimed that the data was “propaganda.”

Patients can assure Rep. Thomson that the data is very real. The following day, Rep. Thomson questioned how much physicians spend on wine.

Physicians in New Mexico navigate an overburdened system, receive lower reimbursement rates, and face insurance costs double the rates in surrounding states. Paired with the state’s struggle to address crime and education, it is increasingly difficult to recruit and retain physicians.

Legislators should stop attacking physicians and focus on retaining those who have remained in the state.

To solve the health care crisis, we must stop vilifying medical professionals in our communities. We must compete with other states to recruit medical professionals to ensure adequate access to health care for all New Mexicans.

DR. ANGELINA VILLAS-ADAMS

President, New Mexico Medical Society

Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada’s impactful legacy is no joke

Bernalillo County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada has left office after completing two terms. Much loved in the South Valley and around the world, Quezada has excelled in his roles as an elected official and as an actor and comedian.

It’s no joke that Quezada secured over $165 million for infrastructure, revitalizing and improving communities through transportation projects, expanding health and safety through mobile school-based health centers and the South Valley Drinking Water Project, and leading the charge to bring fresh, clean water to To’hajiilee.

It’s not funny that Quezada supported economic development and brought in thousands of permanent jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars through new businesses, revitalized properties and affordable housing. Parks, community centers and the Mesa del Sol Regional Outdoor Sports Complex have all been priorities.

Seriously, Quezada’s support of county staff is based on mutual respect, focused on empowering each person to showcase their skills and expertise on projects, guided by the shared mission to serve the community.

No elected official can accomplish anything significant without the partnership of a top-notch team. Quezada was the leader that Bernalillo County needed to show off all its talent.

There’s nothing comical about Quezada’s ability to put partisan politics aside to achieve greater goals for constituents. Elected officials from across the state and across the aisle have hailed Quezada’s accomplishments and his willingness to work with anyone to reach mutually held goals.

Quezada’s power of collaboration at all levels is a model that should be followed by leaders everywhere.

I smile when I think about Quezada’s humility, integrity and dedication. He is a fighter for his community, a loyal friend and a loving family man. I am honored to have served with him.

Commissioner Quezada’s legacy is no joke, but he is truly a funny guy.

CHARLENE PYSKOTY

Tijeras Former Bernalillo County commissioner