Andrew W. Gurman, MD, an orthopedic hand surgeon from Hollidaysburg, Pa., was sworn in June 14 as the 171st president of the American Medical Association.
"I am honored to serve as AMA president during this pivotal time and be a voice for physicians nationwide," Dr. Gurman said in a prepared statement. "We must work together to build a healthier nation, but the gravity of challenges physicians face today is severe; challenges that have and continue to push many out of the profession. It is my privilege to lead this organization to ensure physicians' needs are met."
Dr. Gurman, who has maintained a practice in Altoona, Pa., for 30 years, was AMA president-elect this past year, and previously was speaker and vice speaker of the House of Delegates — the AMA's major policy-making body. He has also served as board liaison to the AMA Foundation and represented the AMA at the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Stakeholders Group on Opioid Prescribing and Dispensing.
He also previously held the following positions: president of the Blair County Medical Society in Pennsylvania, vice speaker and then speaker of the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates, and a two-time chairman of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's political action committee.
Dr. Gurman is a graduate of Syracuse (N.Y.) University. He earned his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, in 1980.
More articles on executive moves:
Guthrie welcomes new CNO: 3 things to know
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's foundation appoints chief development officer: 4 things to know
Cone Health names new chief nurse executive: 4 things to know