Several of the Louisiana Family Medicine Residency Programs provided select health screening to legislators and their staff.  Screenings that were offered included: “A Comprehensive Look at Your Health”  by the East Jefferson Residency Program, Blood Pressure by the LSUHSC New Orleans at Lake Charles Residency Program, Body Mass Index by the LSUHSC New Orleans at Kenner Residency Program, Cancer Screening Information by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Glucose Monitoring by the Baton Rouge General Residency Program.

Several bills that the LAFP has particular interest were heard in committees on that day where it presented the opportunity for physicians to testify on behalf of legislation affecting physicians and the patients that they serve.  During lunch, a presentation was made during lunch to the Rural Caucus by Drs. Rick Streiffer, Alan LeBato and Derek Anderson regarding the primary care workforce issues in the State of Louisiana and particularly with medical students having an interest in choosing Family Medicine.  Several of the residency directors, residents and LAFP staff were also in attendance. 

The White Coat Day is key to physicians success in the Louisiana Legislature in 2010 and the need for physicians' voices is growing. Issues concerning health care are becoming increasingly complex and the policy makers need to hear from physicians as more and more challenges are being faced at both the state and federal levels.   Physicians make a big impression when they show up and talk with Senators and Representatives from their hometown. You are the voice for your patients and when it comes to issues your patients and your colleagues need your help.  

We would like to thank all of those who were able to participate in the 2010 White Coat Day at the Capitol. We hope to see you at future White Coat day events!