American Medical Association named David Barbe, MD, the 172nd president of the association.
Here are six key points:
1. Dr. Barbe hails from Mountain Grove, Mo.
2. A family medicine physician, Dr. Barbe has practiced in Mountain Grove for more than three decades.
3. As president, he plans to bolster the AMA's strategy to enhance outcomes for patients with pre-diabetes and hypertension. He also aims to improve medical school education to better prepare incoming physicians on the healthcare landscape.
4. He earned his medical degree from University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine and completed his family medicine residency at Wichita-based University of Kansas.
5. The AMA elected Dr. Barbe to its board of trustees in 2009 and he has since held numerous roles. He was the chair of the board from 2013 to 2014 and an executive committee member from 2011 to 2015.
6. His wife, Debbie Barbe, BSN, RN, is also in the medical field. The pair has two children and six grandchildren.
"At a moment of unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of not only our profession but health care for years to come, I am excited and eager to lead the nation’s largest and most influential physician organization, " said Dr. Barbe.