Health policy
Doctors and scientists win seats in midterm elections
NPR reported that at least 18 physicians will serve in the next Congress, 10 of them Democrats.
Doctors and scientists won seats in the midterm elections, with Democratic candidates from health and science backgrounds gaining representation in Congress and state government, according to Time and NPR. NPR reported that at least 18 physicians will serve in the next Congress, 10 of them Democrats.
Among the winners are pediatrician Annie Andrews, who won South Carolina’s Senate race, and Abdul El-Sayed, an epidemiologist who won Michigan’s Senate race. NPR said the Senate will have a practicing Democratic physician for the first time since 1938. In Ohio, Dr. Amy Acton won the governor’s race, Time reported. Microbiologist Clark won a Georgia congressional seat, according to Time.
The candidates have cited priorities including affordable care, public health and research funding. Andrews supports ending prior authorization for routine and emergency care, while Clark said she wants to restore federal research support, Time reported. The Washington Post said the new members are expected to help shape the health agenda next year.
