AMA Faces a Crossroads

Still, the AMA has been important as a voice for physicians, Bailey says. "I think change is much better from the inside."

We're not talking Bush-Gore in Florida, but there are many political issues involved, conservatives vs. liberals in the undertow of healthcare reform, as Bailey notes.

Moffit agrees that the political undertones are strong in whatever region of the country addresses the healthcare issues and feelings about the AMA reflect that. Whatever happens with the AMA, "it can't be a 'get along and be along' organization, Moffit says. "They are only going to splinter themselves. They can't be like Caspar Milquetoast."

The Florida Medical Association's delegates are expected to vote on Stevens' resolution at their meeting Aug. 13-15 in Orlando.

Stevens says he has no idea how the vote will go on his resolution to disengage from the AMA. Whatever happens, "the discussion is what's really important," he says.