Leadership

Kimberly A. Chernoby, MD, JD: Fighting barriers as physician and attorney

. 2 MIN READ
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The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.

On the move with: Kimberly A. Chernoby, MD, JD, an emergency medicine resident in Indianapolis.

AMA member since: 2011.

What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: At my preschool graduation, we were asked to dress up as our career ambition. I donned a white coat and never looked back!

How I move medicine: By showing up. Showing up to work, showing up to conferences, showing up to my legislator’s door. It’s the only way.

Career highlights: I have been nominated by two AMA presidents to serve on the Association’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs. I have externed with the AMA’s Office of General Counsel, and I have spent a summer as an intern at the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Public Policy.

Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Do it! Build up your support network—you’ll need it—but there is nothing more gratifying than the genuine thanks of a patient whose life is improved by your care.

How I give back to the community: As an attorney and a physician, I focus my advocacy efforts on legislative and regulatory barriers that interfere with patients’ access to care.

Aspect of my work that means the most: One of my favorite interactions at work is taking care of young women. Providing them information about their health and well-being allows them to make informed decisions that can positively impact other areas of their life, such as pursuing an education or career.

My hope for the future of medicine: That physicians are enabled to provide the best care for patients, unencumbered by unnecessary interference from non-physicians be it government regulators, administrators, insurance companies or otherwise.

Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.

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