Hi everyone,

My name is David Gutkin, MD. I belong to a group of physicians, "Physicians for Patients".

Physicians for Patients (P4P) is a group of doctors dedicated to the widespread integration of physicians interacting with patients online to improve the health of patients suffering from long term conditions.

ABOUT US:
Physicians for Patients is an online version of support groups for those suffering from Fibromyalgia.

A way to give one another support, to vent frustrations, and to give each other advice. The physician will guide discussions and provide input as needed. Patients, family, and friends are encouraged to talk to one another.


GOAL #1:
Encourage everyone (including family/friends) to take an active role in their condition.

We would like a close knit, albeit large, community that works together to figure out problems and to get through problems together as a community. Questions will be answered directly by physicians but in general terms. Everyone should work together and offer their experience to give a complete all around picture and answer to all questions.

GOAL #2:
Improve treatments, lessen side effects, and address patient needs.

Please try to participate as much as possible. There is data to suggest that potential new treatments can be identified through identifying trends in large pooled patient population information. Trends in treatments, side effects, and patient needs. Also, we anticipate recognition of important relationships that may appear to be anecdotal on a case to case basis; but clearly become significant if they occur with enough frequency in a large population. When possible, we will work with pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and non-profits. The goal is to use this information to create drugs and treatments that meet the desires of the patients, with decreased key side effects, and increased effect.

GOAL #3:
Improve life circumstances for patients

Pooled patient information and polling can also be used to approach government and associations to help shape policy in the best interest of the patients. Physicians For Patients does not endorse any particular pharmaceutical company, medicine, or association.

COLLECTIVE EFFORT BETWEEN PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS:
We are very excited to start this movement. We would like everyone's opinions. Please identify comments on this post and let me know how P4P can improve our message. We will need to post and get our message out to as many people as possible. Facebook groups, MySpace groups, national associations, etc... everywhere we can. Please, tell us where and how we can get this message out to the most number of people. Please write with information identifying associations, groups - anywhere we can call, write, or post information online. Patients, family, friends, and supporters of patients are needed on the website.

ASKING FOR YOUR HELP:
We need to identify patients that understand their condition. We need patient leaders to help lead the groups. Please contact us if you are experienced and willing to offer your time to help others that are more new to their condition.


To a new and brighter future,
David

David Gutkin, MD
Physicians for Patients