I thought I would NEVER see the day physicians would ever have a reason to unionize. Wow.
Leaders of the Minnesota practice group announced Friday that they were notifying the National Labor Relations Board of their intent to unionize. Dr. Matt Hoffman, a lead organizer and family practitioner, said physicians have been worn down by administrative burdens that have reduced their time with patients and control over the quality of care.
“Unionization is really the path that we have in order to have our voices heard regarding patient care,” said Hoffman, who practices at Allina’s Vadnais Heights primary care clinic.
As a primary care clinician myself, I completely understand the burdens of an unsupportive practice environment and seemingly uncaring administrators. One could sympathize with this group of physicians as they struggle to find a voice. This is just latest PR nightmare for the Allina system, as the organization has been shedding many staff and delaying the groundbreaking on a previously scheduled hospital just north of the Twin Cities.
Obviously, this is worth watching.
