Physicians in the United States Congress

In 1776, 11 percent of signers of the Declaration of Independence were physicians.[1] Likewise, two (5 percent) of the 39 individuals crafting the US Constitution in 1787 were physicians.[2]

During the first 100 years of Congress (1789–1889) 252 (or 4.6 percent) of 5405 members were physicians.[3]

Tom Coburn said, "physicians have watched the profession undergo tremendous realignments that are shifting doctors' responsibilities away from patient care, changes they attribute to the government's inefficacy".[7] Jim McDermott was quoted as saying "They want to have their hands right there on the handle so they can pull it one way or another."[7] Physicians "balked at the idea of lawmakers with no medical experience making decisions that could upend the profession", per Andy Harris.[7]

Kelley Paul, wife of Rand Paul said in 2015 when he made his 2016 White House bid, "Being a physician gives Rand a unique perspective in Washington, simply because he's trained to diagnose a problem and find a solution."[8]

In 2013, the AMA funded 3 focus groups of voters across the country and an online survey to research public opinion on physicians as Congressional candidates. The top scoring potential message for a physician was to link back to health care expertise "Because physicians work in health care daily, they bring a clear understanding of the problems facing our healthcare industry, including the bureaucratic red tape that is strangling health care providers and driving up the cost of health care for most Americans."[6]

From 2013 to 2015 there were 20 physicians in U.S.Congress, 19 of whom were male and 16 were members of the Republican party.

† 2009/2012 cycle ††2013–2014 cycle

From 2015 to 2017, there were 17 physicians in U.S. Congress. All were male and 14 were members of the Republican party.

† 2009/2014 cycle

From 2017 to 2019 there were 16 physicians in U.S. Congress, all were male and 14 were members of the Republican party. There was also one podiatrist, one dentist, and one optometrist.[5]

There were 17 physicians in the 117th Congress, of which 13 serve in the House and 4 serve in the Senate.[55]

There are 19 physicians in the 118th Congress, of which 15 serve in the House and 4 serve in the Senate.[56]

Civilian:

• United States Assistant Secretary for Health

Uniformed service, United States Armed Forces:

• Surgeon General of the United States, overall head of the "Commissioned Corps"
• United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), the "Commissioned Corps"

• "Physicians in the Senate" United States Senate, accessed May 28, 2015
• National Council of Physician Legislators Alliance for Patient Access, accessed 7 June 2018