Gov. Scott has not endorsed any of the GOP candidates. "He knows that his poll numbers are quite toxic. As a result I don’t think his endorsement behooves anyone right now," Dr. Smith said.
The Doctors Stand Clear
Several major physicians’ organizations have so far demurred on endorsing any of the candidates. A spokesperson said that the Florida Medical Association did not feel it was appropriate to even comment on a potential endorsement, given that its membership holds a variety of views.
Dr. John A. Gross, a member of the board of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians (that state’s chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians), said that the FAFP would not be endorsing any candidates at this time either.
The FAFP is "looking for candidates that are willing to stand up for the patient," said Dr. Gross, who chairs the group’s government relations committee. Family physicians would be interested in candidates who support the patient-centered medical home and new models that provide high quality care.
Tort reform also is a huge issue for Florida physicians, Dr. Gross noted. In a recent poll, physicians in the state estimated that 1 of every 3 health care dollars in Florida is spent on so-called defensive medical costs. The poll was conducted by Patients for Fair Compensation, a nonprofit established by the for-profit physician staffing company Jackson Healthcare.
Dr. Gross said that medical liability reform is a priority issue for the FAFP every year.
The latest bill to address tort reform was introduced in mid-January in the Florida House and Senate.
Abortion is also a hot-button issue in Florida. The state is regarded as anti-choice by NARAL Pro-Choice America.
Mr. Santorum describes himself as strongly pro-life. Mr. Gingrich has said he supports ending federal subsidies for abortion and defunding Planned Parenthood. Mr. Romney had a much-publicized change in position, seemingly going from supporting a woman’s right to choose to being against abortion. He does not have an official stance listed on his campaign website.
This is the first in a series of articles looking at the Republican presidential primaries through the eyes of physicians. Next up: The race moves on to Minnesota and Colorado, which hold their primaries Feb. 7.