meigs Archives - Medical Association of the State of Alabama

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Gov. Ivey Hosts Bill Signing Ceremony for MAT Act

Posted by admin on July 26, 2019

Wednesday, Gov. Kay Ivey hosted a formal bill signing ceremony at the Alabama Capitol for this year’s Medication Assisted Treatment Act (“MAT Act”). Flanked by an array of both state and national leaders, the signing of this legislation represents another step Alabama is taking to combat the drug abuse epidemic and help those struggling with addiction.

Passing this bill was no easy feat, however. Introduced just six days before the 2019 Legislative Session ended, the Medical Association worked closely with Sen. Larry Stutts, M.D. in drafting the language for the bill and was instrumental in pushing it to final passage.

“It really is extraordinary what we were able to get done in such a short timeframe,” said Association President, John Meigs, M.D. “I know this was a priority for Senator Stutts, and we were proud to see it become a priority for all legislators. MAT has already been proven to help reduce drug addiction and I am anxious to see its impact in Alabama.”

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, with the guidance from a panel of industry stakeholders, is developing rules for medication assisted therapy in Alabama. If you would like to learn more about MAT and the federally-required qualifications for physicians, go to SAMHSA.gov. The Alabama Department of Mental Health also has information about MAT listed here, and a list of current grants for addiction treatment can be found here.

Tags: addiction, ivey, legislature, mat, meigs, stutts

Posted in: Advocacy

Why I Give: Dr. John Meigs

Posted by admin on July 19, 2019

As president of the Medical Association, I want to thank you for your membership in our organization. While membership is essential to our success, so too is advocacy. Past President Dr. Underwood recently said, “It’s amazing how politics can determine the direction of medicine.” He’s exactly right.

Yet, instead of waiting until politicians are about to make a decision impacting you and your patients, physicians should be involved long before those decisions arise. Be proactive, not reactive. Choosing not to participate in the political process – when it’s known the decisions of lawmakers directly affect medicine – is akin to getting sued, consciously sitting out of jury selection and letting the plaintiff’s lawyer pick the jury.

I know you’re busy; I know how valuable your time is. But there’s other ways you can participate besides making a phone call or sending an email – you can give to ALAPAC. Membership dollars cannot be used for elections purposes, and so separate political action committees must be established to help elect candidates physicians can work with on health care important issues.

For me, giving to ALAPAC ensures that my voice, and the voice of all Alabama physicians, is heard. I truly believe it is incumbent upon physicians to join the organizations fighting for them, to get to know their elected officials and to contribute to PACs supporting the objectives of such organizations.

Right now, ALAPAC is in the midst of its year-end fundraising campaign and trying to raise $75,000 in 75 days. When it comes to contributions, even a small donation can have a big impact. So, I challenge all of you – those who have already contributed and those who have not – to give to ALAPAC to increase medicine’s voice.

Simply text ALAPAC to 91999 or donate here.

With thanks,

John S. Meigs, M.D.
President
Medical Association of the State of Alabama

Disclaimer: Contributions to ALAPAC are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes. Voluntary political contributions to Alabama Medical PAC (ALAPAC) are not limited to the suggested amount. The Medical Association will not favor or disadvantage anyone based upon the amount or failure to contribute. A portion of the contributions may be used in connection with Federal elections. Corporate funds will be used in either state elections or for education purposes. Federal contributions are subject to the limitations of FEC Regulations 110.1, .2, and .5.

Tags: alapac, give, meigs

Posted in: Advocacy

Centreville Physician Named President of the Medical Association

Posted by admin on April 19, 2019

BIRMINGHAM – Long-time Centreville physician, John S. Meigs Jr., M.D., was named president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama during the Association’s Annual Meeting and Business Session last week. Dr. Meigs also serves on the board for the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

“The Association welcomes Dr. Meigs’ continued service on the Board of Censors as president,” Executive Director Mark Jackson said. “His medical experience, as well as his civic-mindedness and sense of compassion brings a strong perspective to the Board. It is a genuine pleasure to work with such a leader in the medical community.”

Dr. Meigs received his medical degree from the University of South Alabama and completed his internship and residency in family medicine with UAB/Selma Family Practice Residency Program.

He is a Diplomate with the American Board of Family Medicine. He is also a past president and former board chair of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians; a Fellow, former Speaker, a past president and immediate past board chair with the American Academy of Family Physicians, and member of the American Medical Association. With the Medical Association, Dr. Meigs has served as a Delegate, Counselor, Life Counselor, Speaker of the House of Delegates, Board of Censors and on numerous committees. From 2009 to 2018 he served on the State Committee of Public Health and was their Chair his last four years.

In 2014, Dr. Meigs received the high honor of being elected to the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame, which recognizes those persons who have made outstanding contributions to or rendered exemplary service for health care in the State of Alabama.

Dedicated to giving back to his community, Dr. Meigs has served as a clinical professor at The University of Alabama College of Community and Health Science and a clinical professor at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Medicine. He is currently a member of the clinical faculty of the Cahaba Family Medicine Residency Program in Centreville. Additionally, he was named 2004 Bibb County Citizen of the Year by the Kiwanis Club. He has also served as President of Distinguished Young Women of Bibb County and is an active member of Brent Baptist Church where he serves as Moderator and as a deacon.

Dr. Meigs has been a member of the Bibb County Medical Society and the Medical Association since 1982. He has been on the active medical staff of Bibb Medical Center since 1982. His practice of Family Medicine continues with Bibb Medical Associates in Centreville.

Meet the 2019-2020 Board Officers and Board of Censors

John S. Meigs, Jr., M.D., President
Aruna Thotakura Arora, M.D., President-Elect
Jefferson Underwood, III, M.D., Immediate Past President
Amanda Williams, M.D., Vice President
Alexis T. Mason, M.D., Secretary-Treasurer
Julia L. Boothe, M.D., Speaker
Thomas James Weida, M.D., Vice-Speaker
Mark H. LeQuire, M.D., Board Chairman, At-Large Place No. 1
Michael T. Flanagan, M.D., Board Vice Chairman, 2nd District Censor
Max Rogers, M.D., 1st District Censor
Gary F. Leung, M.D., 3rd District Censor
Dick Owens, M.D., 4th District Censor
Patrick J. O’Neill, M.D., 5th District Censor
Eli L. Brown, M.D., 6th District Censor
Jane A. Weida, M.D., FAAFP, 7th District Censor
Beverly F. Jordan, M.D., At-Large Place No. 2
Hernando D. Carter, M.D., At-Large Place No. 3
Gregory Wayne Ayers, M.D., At-Large Place No. 4
William Jay Suggs, At-Large Place No. 5

Tags: meigs

Posted in: Members