Dr. John L Young, M.D. has made local medical history as the first Asian American president of the Montgomery County Medical Society, according to the organization’s review of past presidents. He took the oath of office in late April, becoming the 106th president of the Montgomery County Medical Society. His focus during his tenure will be on healthcare reform and how it will affect local communities as well as reimbursement issues for doctors in Montgomery County. “I am concerned that our healthcare system is broken as it stands today,” Young said. “Over the last 10 to 20 years we have had hyper-inflation on insurance premiums, fragmentation of the delivery of healthcare services…healthcare reform is one issue we will definitely be focused on.” Reimbursement is a key issue for the organization and it has focused its grassroots legislative efforts on pushing for an increase in insurance reimbursement for medical services. Rural areas in Maryland have dealt with the most dramatic drop in medical professionals, but the problem is statewide, including Montgomery County. With high malpractice insurance rates, lower-than-average insurance reimbursements for services – plus the aging population of medical professionals -- the shortage is only expected to worsen. A study last year by the Maryland Hospital Association and MedChi found that by 2015, 32 percent of the state's physicians are expected to retire. “Doctors are like small business owners,” Young said. “On our ledgers is income and expense. Reimbursement falls into our income file. Expenses include malpractices insurance rates, which is the huge elephant in the room. Unfortunately poor reimbursement has forced many doctors out of state. That is why pooling reimbursement rates is a very important issue for us.” And, Young is just the man to lead the cause. With 25 years as treasurer, head of the legislative committee and more, his experience is invaluable. “He is very involved in legislative affairs at state level,” said Executive Director Susan G. D'Antoni. “Given that physicians and practices need more and more advocacy, and more decision about practices are made by the state legislature, that is a very important qualification for us.” Additionally, Young was also recently appointed to the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. The Montgomery County Medical Society is a professional association representing more than 1,700 physicians and medical practitioners who reside and/or practice in Montgomery County. Founded in 1903, it is the largest component of the Maryland State Medical Society.