State Representative Harris

The Chicago Medical Society (CMS) hosted its first 2009 Legislative Mini-Internship Program on Tuesday, January 27th. Honored guest, State Representative Greg Harris shadowed Shastri Swaminathan, MD to experience first-hand what it is like to be a physician. Dr. Swaminathan is a member and Past President of the Chicago Medical Society and is the current President of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS).

The Legislative Mini-Internship Program matches legislators and civic leaders with physicians for one day. The goal is to expose legislators and civic leaders to the realities of medicine, allowing them to draw their own conclusions about the complexities of the profession. Designed as a two-way communication project, the Legislative Mini-Internship Program offers information to help broaden the perspective of all viewpoints. The program allows CMS members to become better acquainted with legislative responsibilities and deepens the legislator’s understanding of how legislation affects health care.

The program was held at the Advocate Illinois Masonic, Behavioral Health Clinic. The program included several activities, as well as conversation on current legislation that affects both the Behavioral Health Center and physicians in general. Activities included a department tour, roundtable discussion with the medical staff, a group session with a substance abuse group, and an adult group therapy session.