There’s A Doctor In The House

In the entire 135-member Arkansas State Legislature there is only one physician – Dr. Steve Magie.

Many important health care issues are coming before the State Legislature this session, so it’s disconcerting only one medical doctor is there full-time to offer first-hand perspective on taking care of patients, dealing with insurance companies and government health care.

Fortunately for Arkansas, Magie is a dedicated public servant with 33 years experience in treating patients and, as the immediate past president of the Arkansas Medical Society, he has experience in crafting health care policy. Magie is an ophthalmologist.

Magie, a Democrat from Conway, was elected last year after being heavily targeted by Americans for Prosperity for defeat because he dared to say a few nice things about the Affordable Care Act. He handily defeated his opponent and now legislators on both sides of the aisle are looking to this gregarious and thoughtful doctor for advice on a myriad of medical issues.

Since state legislators are voting on many health care related issues this session, I thought it would be helpful to get the perspective of the only medical doctor in the General Assembly.

Cook: What are your overall goals for the session? Any particular bills you’re sponsoring you’d like to highlight?

Magie: My overall goal is to the best of my ability represent the desires and interests of my constituents in District 72. They have entrusted me to represent them and that’s what I will do. My short term goals these first few weeks have been to take in a tremendous volume of information about procedural issues, learn many new faces and begin to develop individual relationships with as many as possible. What I have learned in these first couple of weeks is that each district has many of the same issues.

That being said, how those issues effect each district can be variable and at times not consistent. What the people in District 72 desire with regard to an individual issue can be quite different in comparison to another district. What is really fascinating is that although we as individual legislators might have widely different viewpoints, we are continually working toward common ground. It’s early in the session, but my impression is that most want to work towards true bipartisanship.

I have signed on as a co-sponsor on several legislative issues. HB 1020 is a bill to add private airports to the list of recreational use facilities. In effect, this bill extends some limitation of liability to the landowner. What this does is open up for private use by pilots of private airstrips when the pilot has owner permission. That’s the only bill as a co-sponsor that has been before committee. I exercise caution and I am not quick to add my name as co-sponsor until I am convinced of a bill’s merits.

I’m also working on several issues that deal directly with patient care.

Cook: Has your medical background come in handy as you’ve worked on legislation?

Magie: Each individual representative has a unique background and as such different perspectives at times. As the only physician, I bring the perspective of some 33 years in practice. Not only seeing patients but also being involved in organized medicine. Just as I look to other colleagues here in the legislature for advice and council, I find myself in that position when legislators have medical concerns. Sometimes far removed from their local physician to whom some might seek advice, I now find myself in that position. I do think that carries a great deal of responsibility.

Physicians want what is in their patients’ best interest. And I am sure that legislators also want what is best. I do believe that my experience, my insight and my knowledge of what is truly best for the patient will help drive the decision-making processes with regard to medical issues and help all Arkansans lead a healthier life.

Cook: What has been the biggest surprise of your first weeks in the State Legislature?

Magie: I knew that there would be volumes of information to learn as the session began. I just didn’t know that it would be so expansive. During the first 2 weeks, briefings and informational meetings from state agencies and programs were to say the least intimidating with regards to the sheer amount of information. I felt almost as if I was starting medical school again. I have found it necessary to study during the day and in the evenings. I have always been someone that loves to be exposed to and learn new information. That desire will serve not only myself but those that I serve.

Cook: Do you favor the proposed Medicaid expansion that’s currently being debated?

Magie: I do favor expansion of Medicaid for many reasons. To me, access to health care is something to which every Arkansan has a right. Locally in District 72 and across the state, there are those that need our help. I know that there are those that argue about the cost. I would maintain that in the long run it will cost us less if we address the health needs of our citizens. What price is it worth when someone is talking about their own health or the health of a loved one? We’re all in this together.

While we might not like to think about it, each and every one of us is only one illness away from losing one of our most sacred possessions, our health. Medicaid expansion improves access, it will cover those in need, it will overall improve the health of our citizens and its the right thing to do.