For Physicians
Common Objections to ISMS Membership
| Objection: | "There isn't a reason for me to join. I will still receive the benefits of ISMS membership." |
| Answer: | Joining ISMS is about strength in numbers and professional pride. ISMS and its component county medical societies represent almost 13,000 of Illinois' physicians, medical students and residents. The more physicians we represent, the more power we have as a group, and the more we can accomplish for our patients and our profession. When you remain a potential member, our strength remains unfulfilled. (You can also point out a member benefit they may not know about). |
| Objection: | "How can I make a difference? I am just one person." |
| Answer: | ISMS prides itself on representing the interests of all Illinois physicians and patients. As a member, you have many opportunities to be a part of the Society's policy-making process. You may be familiar with the green "Keep Doctors in Illinois" wristbands that became the cornerstone of our successful Reality Medicine campaign. The idea, which ultimately played a huge role in the passage of our comprehensive medical litigation reform legislation, was suggested by an ISMS physician member. Remember, together we are stronger. As a non-member, you are just one voice. |
| Objection: | "I belong to too many associations already." |
| Answer: | ISMS has a proven track record as the most effective organization representing the interests of Illinois' physicians and their patients. While you may receive specific benefits from other professional associations, ISMS is the only organization that speaks for all physicians and all medical specialties in Illinois. When members of the Illinois General Assembly want to know what the "physicians think," they ask ISMS. Membership is the best investment you can make in your career and profession. |
| Objection: | "I don't have time to be a member." |
| Answer: | Being a member of ISMS is about more than attending meetings. We understand that your focus is taking care of patients, which leaves you little time to fight the large-scale battles that we're facing as a profession. That's where ISMS comes in. Whether it's advocating for physicians and their patients in Springfield or Washington, DC, meeting with third-party payors to help alleviate payor hassles, developing practice management tools and seminars for you and your office staff, or spearheading public awareness campaigns to improve the public health, ISMS has been the voice of medicine in Illinois since 1840. The more members we have, the deeper that voice resonates. |
| Objection: | "I can't afford to join, it's too expensive." |
| Answer: | ISMS offers an extensive package of benefits and services for our members. On average, for about $2.50 per day, your county medical society and ISMS dues are a great investment. That's less than what you pay for coffee and a bagel. Without the grassroots effort and support of ISMS members we would not have been able to pass meaningful medical litigation reform legislation in 2005. With these reforms pending before the Illinois Supreme Court, your support is needed now, more than ever. |
| Objection: | "My spouse and I are both physicians. Why should we both join?" |
| Answer: | Your ISMS membership benefits only apply to you, they are not extended to your non-member spouse. Unless both of you join, you are only giving half of your support to your own cause. Additionally, as individual physicians and professionals, it is important for both you and your spouse to have an avenue to express your concerns and opinions. |
| Objection: | "Why should I join ISMS when the organization is run by a small bunch of old guys?" |
| Answer: | This simply is not true. Just as our membership is very diverse, so too is the Society. It is governed by a very diverse physician House of Delegates and Board of Trustees - physicians of all practice types, specialties, male and female, and age groups throughout Illinois. They also include medical students and resident physicians. This diversity is also reflected in our councils and committees. And, we work hard to meet the unique needs of this diverse membership. For example, more than 50% of the graduating medical school classes now are women. The ISMS has held very successful forums specifically for women physicians, addressing their concerns and needs. Similarly, special programs and member benefits are designed for our young physician colleagues, including our popular health policy webinar series. Try us - even for one year - and you'll see that ISMS is truly an inclusive organization. |
| Objection: | "ISMS only represents specialists." OR "ISMS only represents primary care physicians." |
| Answer: | ISMS is the only organization that speaks for all Illinois physicians regardless of specialty or practice location. Our membership rolls are diverse; ISMS members practice in rural communities and large urban settings and range from solo family practitioners to physicians employed by large multi-specialty clinics. This breadth of experience lends credibility to our arguments as we continue to fight for increased access to health care for our patients. |
| Objection: | "I disagree with the policies of ISMS." OR "I disagree with past decisions of ISMS." |
| Answer: | ISMS is a democratic organization, and no member is required to agree with the majority on every issue. ISMS policy is determined by majority vote only after all sides of the issue have been considered and debated. Every ISMS member has a chance to become involved in the policy-making process. As a member you can serve on one of the many council and committees, draft a resolution for the ISMS House of Delegates, represent your county as a delegate or alternate delegate, or become a leader in your county or at the state level. If you don't get involved, you can't make a difference. |
| Objection: | "I don't always agree with IMPAC-supported candidates." |
| Answer: | IMPAC is a separate, voluntary, non-partisan committee supporting candidates who share the views of the medical profession. By helping these candidates we are ultimately helping shape legislation and the regulations that affect physicians every day. Candidates are chosen upon recommendation from IMPAC members in their legislative districts. Remember, politics is the art of compromise. In order for legislation to become law you need support from both sides of the aisle. |
| Objection: | "I'm just not interested." |
| Answer: | What issues could we work on to pique your interest? (And then provide examples of already existing programs or activities that may coincide with these interests). |
| Objection: | "I want to think it over." OR "Can you send me information." (This is usually a delaying tactic, but many people will not "buy" on a first call). |
| Answer: | I would be happy to send you information, but I'd like to review some of the benefits of membership and see if I can answer any questions you may have. (Review benefits, preferably specialty specific). We are continually looking for ways to enhance the value of ISMS membership and appreciate your input (You may want to mention the Women Physician's Forum, the Practice Management Educational Series, or the Reality Medicine campaign). I hope you will consider trying ISMS membership for one year and let us prove its value to you. |
Questions? Contact Jim Jacobsohn at (312) 580-6493 or jacobsohn@isms.org. |
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