Dr. Langston elected AMAboard chair

Langston

Edward L. Langston, R.Ph., MD, has been named chair of the board of trustees of theAmerican Medical Association (AMA).

Langston, a family physician who practices in Lafayette, has been a member of the AMA Board of Trustees since 2003.

Serving in various capacities for the AMA since 1987, Langston most recently represented the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), as a delegate and served as chair of the delegation. He has also served as chair of the Specialty and Service Society, and was a member of the Council on Medical Education from 1997 until 2003.

"I am humbled to be chosen as chair of the AMA board of trustees," said Langston. "My responsibilities embrace the implementation of AMA policy as it intersects with other medical organizations, but evenmore importantly as it carries the message of providing and advocating for the care our patients need and deserve.

"Our national agenda is focused on patient needs, such as advocating for health care coverage for nearly 45 million uninsured Americans, advocatingforqualitycare and safety issues for our patients and addressing equitable and fair health care coverage for our patients. OnAugust 23,we will be initiating our national campaign, 'Voice for the Uninsured,' at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This is the first step in our programdesigned to establish health care coverage for all.

"These are exciting times to be involved inmajor policy issues that impactour patients and the practice of medicine. I am delighted and privileged to be part of that effort."

Since its founding in 1847, the AMAhas helped physicians navigate through major political and public health issues. Dr. Langston sees thatwork continuingwith the AMAbeing the premier advocate for physicians and their patients.

In 2000, he joined American Health Network in Lafayette, where he and hiswife,Linda, have been active members of the community.

Dr. Langston and his wife are natives of Carroll County. He formerly practiced familymedicine in Flora.