Core Insights - More than 200 healthcare providers have voted to join the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), indicating a significant movement among healthcare professionals to reclaim their voice in patient care and reshape the healthcare system [1][3] Group 1: Union Representation - At Logan Health in Northwestern Montana, over 100 primary care physicians and advanced practice providers have chosen union representation, while nearly 100 optometrists and advanced practice providers at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Western Washington achieved a remarkable 97 percent support for unionization [2] - These victories highlight the expansion of UAPD across state lines and reflect a growing trend of healthcare providers organizing to tackle systemic challenges in healthcare delivery [3] Group 2: Commitment to Patient-Centered Care - Dr. Stuart Bussey, UAPD President, emphasized that healthcare providers are uniting to restore the patient-provider relationship, which has been compromised by administrative pressures [4] - Providers at Logan Health expressed that unionization empowers them to collaborate with leadership to create sustainable solutions that enhance care quality in their community [5] - Pediatric providers at MultiCare Mary Bridge stressed the importance of continuity of care for children's health and the need for a supportive work environment to retain experienced providers [6] Group 3: Priorities for Patient Care and Provider Sustainability - Both bargaining units have identified key priorities that impact patient outcomes and provider retention, including: - Adequate staffing levels to meet patient demand and reduce wait times [8] - Sustainable patient panel sizes to prevent burnout and improve care quality [8] - Protected time for patient care to ensure thorough examinations and compassionate care [8] - A voice in decision-making to secure provider input on policies affecting clinical practice and patient care delivery [8] Group 4: National Movement and Future Steps - The recent victories are part of a broader national trend where healthcare providers are increasingly turning to collective bargaining to address systemic healthcare challenges [9] - Dr. Bussey noted that the real work begins with negotiating strong contracts that address staffing, patient interaction time, and necessary resources for delivering excellent care [10] - Following the certification of election results by the National Labor Relations Board, both units will proceed with contract negotiations in the coming months, aiming to build sustainable care models that benefit both healthcare workers and patients [10]