AMA Urges HHS Secretary to Retain USPSTF Members

The **American Medical Association (AMA)**, founded in 1847 by Nathan Smith Davis in Philadelphia, is the largest and only national association in the U.S. representing over 190 state and specialty medical societies with a membership of approximately 271,660 as of 2022[1][6][7]. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the AMA's mission is to promote the science and art of medicine, advocate for physicians, and improve public health. The AMA's early history was marked by efforts to regulate medical practice and protect the public. It campaigned against quack remedies and patent medicines, influencing legislation such as the Drug Importation Act of 1848 and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906[1]. The organization also pioneered medical record standardization and vaccination mandates, including compulsory smallpox vaccination laws at the turn of the 20th century[1]. It launched influential medical publications, notably the *Journal of the American Medical Association* (JAMA) in 1883, which remains a leading medical journal today[1]. The AMA played a significant role in shaping medical education, supporting reforms inspired by the 1910 Flexner Report, which emphasized rigorous academic standards, full-time faculty, and integration of research and clinical practice—principles that transformed U.S. medical training and hospital systems[4]. Despite its foundational role, the AMA's history includes controversy, particularly regarding racial exclusion policies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that prompted the establishment of the National Medical Association as an alternative for Black physicians[3]. Today, the AMA continues to be a powerful advocate for physicians and healthcare policy, offering essential resources such as continuing medical education (CME), practice management tools, and a comprehensive residency and fellowship database (FREIDA)[6][7]. It is deeply involved in addressing current healthcare challenges, including physician advocacy, public health initiatives, and technological advancements in medicine. Notably, the AMA’s origins trace back to

The **U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)** is an independent, volunteer panel of 16 national experts in preventive medicine and primary care. Established in 1984, the Task Force is dedicated to improving the health of Americans by making evidence-based recommendations on effective preventive services. These recommendations cover screenings, behavioral counseling, and preventive medications for over 80 health conditions and diseases across the lifespan[1][3]. **History and Mission:** The USPSTF was created to guide healthcare providers and patients in making informed decisions about preventive care. It operates under a rigorous, multistep process that includes public and expert input to ensure scientific integrity[1]. The Task Force's mission aligns with broader health initiatives, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which mandates insurance coverage for services recommended by the USPSTF[3]. **Key Achievements:** - **Recommendations Impact:** The USPSTF's recommendations have significantly improved preventive care access, with around 100 million privately insured Americans accessing services without out-of-pocket costs thanks to the ACA[3]. - **Health Equity Focus:** The Task Force is evolving its methods to address health equity, focusing on conditions that disproportionately affect certain populations[4]. **Current Status:** The USPSTF continues to update its recommendations to reflect new evidence and expand its portfolio to address emerging health issues. It collaborates with organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) to disseminate its findings and support implementation by healthcare providers[3][5]. **Notable Aspects:** - **Independence and Expertise:** Members are chosen through an open nomination process and serve without substantial conflicts of interest[3]. - **Evidence-Based Approach:** Recommendations are based on systematic reviews of evidence, ensuring that they are grounded in the latest scientific research[1][4].

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a pivotal federal agency dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Americans. Established in 1953, HHS has evolved significantly over the years, playing a crucial role in public health, medical research, and human services. **Mission and Responsibilities:** HHS administers a wide range of programs, including health insurance coverage for over 170 million Americans through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. It also supports community health centers, provides medical care to American Indians and Alaska Natives, and addresses specific health needs such as HIV/AIDS and mental health[5]. The department is involved in life-saving research and works closely with other federal departments, state governments, and the private sector to achieve its goals[4]. **History and Achievements:** Historically, HHS has been instrumental in addressing major public health challenges, such as disease outbreaks and substance abuse. It has also been at the forefront of medical research, particularly through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). **Current Status:** In 2025, HHS embarked on a significant reorganization aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing redundancies. This involves merging several agencies into new entities, such as the Administration for a Healthy America, and consolidating divisions from 28 to 15[2][3]. The restructuring also includes workforce reductions, with a reported decrease of 10,000 employees[6]. **Notable Aspects:** HHS's FY2025 budget request is $1.802 trillion, with a focus on critical programs like Medicare and Medicaid[10]. The department is also working to protect taxpayer dollars through oversight and enforcement efforts[7]. Its reorganization is expected to save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually[8]. Overall, HHS remains a vital component of the U.S. healthcare system, driving innovation and access to healthcare services.