WHY JOIN AAPS?

Take just a few minutes to read this message, and we'll give you 7 quick reasons.

Since we're asking you for $325 in these tough times when the future of medicine is in jeopardy, we figure we should give you some very compelling reasons.

We know that a number of medical associations also want your membership. But ask yourself, what have they done for you in the past year? What will they do for you this year?

When 99% of national groups - including the AMA and virtually every specialty association - sold out the profession for a "seat at the table" in Washington D.C. this year, only AAPS stood firm in its opposition to more government meddling in your practice.

REASON #1: NATIONAL "TAKE BACK MEDICINE" CAMPAIGN

We are working 24/7 to make sure that the autonomy of the patient-physician relationship is protected - from government or other third-parties. In June, we launched the national "TAKE BACK MEDICINE" campaign that has mobilized more than 6,000 doctors and patients.

Here's a sample of how we've been the leading voice in the past few months:

ObamaCare Lawsuit:	On March 26, 2010 AAPS filed suit in U.S. District Court Against the Health Care Bill.
NATIONAL RALLY:	AAPS organized a rally of 1,000 doctors at the U.S Capitol.
TOWN MEETINGS:	AAPS leaders have been featured speakers at more than 35 town meetings.
TELEVISION:	AAPS officers and staff regularly appear on CNN, Fox News, NBC, and more.
RADIO:	AAPS has been the subject of more than 40 radio interviews.

And in case you missed it, we have 4 Members of Congress who are also members of AAPS! AAPS representatives are in touch with them and other Members of Congress every day.

REASON #2: WORKING IN THE STATES TO PROTECT DOCTORS

We've also been working at the state level to protect freedom in medicine. As members of the largest national association of state legislators, we were instrumental in passing model legislation on tort reform, elimination of certificates of needs, and state prohibition on federal insurance mandates.

REASONS #3: PROTECTING DOCTORS IN LICENSURE & PEER REVIEW

AAPS was responsible for curbing the abusive practices of the Texas state medical board with our lawsuit that forced legislators to hold hearings and brought about public outcry, culminating in the resignation of the board President.

REASON #4: WE GIVE YOU THE TOOLS YOU NEED FOR MEDICAL FREEDOM

We don't just talk about protecting your practice, we give you nuts-and-bolts help. AAPS has held more than a dozen "Building a Healthy, Independent Practice" workshops, featuring doctors who have successfully taken control of their practices, with at least 3 more coming in the next year. What other group offers you this type of insider coaching with a price tag less than the cost of nice restaurant dinner?

REASON #5: ACCESS TO POLICY LEADERS & INFLUENTIAL DECISION-MAKERS

In the past year, AAPS has provided members with the opportunity to speak directly with Members of Congress like Drs. Tom Price, Paul Broun and Phil Gingrey. We've held briefings and conference calls with nationally-recognized experts like Merrill Matthews, PhD of the Council for Affordable Healthcare, Greg Scandlen of the Heartland Institute, and John Goodman of the National Center for Policy Analysis.

And AAPS was the first to bring back noted healthcare analyst, the Hon. Betsy McCaughey, to the national stage this year when she was the featured speaker at our Congressional Briefing in April.

REASON #6: DOCTORS MUST TAKE CENTER STAGE

Even wonder why lawyers get so much legislation passed in Washington? Because they show up! You can no longer assume that "someone else" will do it.

Doctors across the country are finally realizing that very basic principle of politics, and are starting to make some noise. If we aren't heard loud and clear, others will be, including supporters of single-payer and more government control of the day-to-day of practicing medicine.

And frankly, the way to be heard is through a unified voice, with the greatest numbers possible. Unfortunately, in Washington D.C., size does matter. We need everyone to know that AAPS is THE voice for doctors who want to protect freedom in medicine for doctors, and their patients.

REASON #7: THE BOTTOM LINE -- THE FIGHT IS FAR FROM ENDING!

The next year will be one of those watershed years - like 1965 - for freedom in medicine. There will be bill after bill coming up in Congress.

WE NEED YOUR VOICE - AND ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Please join today, and consider increasing your level of support. You may make a donation, increase your membership level or both! Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium supporters will be acknowledged in the AAPS Annual Report. Donations are not tax-deductible, but 90% of your membership payment is - at any level of membership. You can donate to the American Legal Health Foundation, or to our TakeBackMedicine.com project.

We need you to bring in new members as well. Every member can give 2 gift memberships to colleagues, or if you have more you want to nominate, just contact us.

Let's keep up the fight to protect private medicine!

Sincerely,
George Watson, D.O.
President

P.S. And don't forget about the great member benefits like monthly newsletter, Limited Legal Consultation Service, email alerts, quarterly Journal, and discounts on workshops & other services.