Andrew W. Gurman, MD, an orthopedic hand surgeon from Hollidaysburg, Penn., has been sworn in as the 171th president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

Gurman will focus his attention three strategic areas: improving health outcomes for Americans living with pre-diabetes and hypertension, accelerate change in medical education and preparing students for today’s healthcare system, and enhancing physician satisfaction and practice sustainability. 

“I am honored to serve as AMA president during this pivotal time and be a voice for physicians nationwide,” said Gurman. “We must work together to build a healthier nation, but the gravity of challenges physicians face today is severe; challenges that have and continue to push many out of the profession. It is my privilege to lead this organization to ensure physicians’ needs are met.” 

Gurman received his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, in 1980. Gurman was also a student delegate to the AMA Student Business Session, completed his surgical internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at the combined Montefiore Hospital/Albert Einstein program in New York, and a finished a fellowship in hand surgery at the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopedic Institute.

Gurman has also served as past president of the Blair County Medical Society in Pennsylvania, vice speaker and speaker of the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates, a two-time chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Political Action Committee and the AMA president-elect this past year.