Medical Society of the State of New York Applauds Selection of Kirsten Gillibrand for US Senate

WESTBURY, NY (01/23/2009)(readMedia)-- "The selection of Representative Kirsten Gillibrand as United States Senator from New York is a major and positive step for New York patients and for health care advocates," according to Michael Rosenberg, MD, president of the Medical Society of the State of New York.

"Representative Gillibrand's Congressional record demonstrates her deep commitment to doing what is right for New York healthcare consumers. She has worked to enhance the quality of our healthcare and to improve access to that care. She believes that everyone should have the right to affordable health insurance and that there needs to be competition in the health insurance industry in order to reign in costs," said Dr. Rosenberg.

In addition, Dr. Rosenberg cited Representative Gillibrand's strong support for controlling the cost of prescription drugs, increasing funding for medical research and her co-sponsorship of the Healthy Kids Act (H.R.2147). "Her votes on mental health parity issues, extending the SCHIP program, requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare Part D, improving services for people with autism and establishing a national childhood cancer database all reflect her clear thinking on health issues," according to Dr. Rosenberg. "These are all issues that resonate with both patients and physicians, and we are looking forward with great anticipation to her further efforts in the United States Senate. Governor Paterson has made a wise choice, and all of New York's physicians congratulate New York's new United State's Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand."