So what else has the American Medical Assn. been up to?

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Its members began their week by listening patiently Monday (meaning they booed once, but also gave several standing ovations) to President Obama’s plans for the nation’s health system.

That story: ‘Obama calls cost of healthcare a threat to economy’

The group has been less than enamored with proposals for a large public health insurance plan, and the president’s speech at the annual conference has been much discussed. Here’s a synopsis of their differing opinions from Top of the Ticket: ‘Obama tells AMA about healthcare plans.’

But after that arguable high point, the group gamely proceeded with the rest of its annual conference. And its members came up with these notable, though perhaps-not-so-bold, statements:

There was this: ‘The AMA passed policy today [Monday] that recognizes breast cancer as a condition that affects males as well as females and supports education about the risks, signs, and symptoms of male breast cancer.’

And this: ‘Today [also Monday], the AMA passed policy to inform physicians, policy makers and the public of the current scientific evidence on the use of hormones for anti-aging. Proponents of any hormone or other substance for anti-aging have the responsibility to prove that claims are scientifically valid.’ I’m with them on this one. The other one too actually.

And this: ‘Health care organizations, such as medical schools and hospitals, can serve as role models and educators on the importance of adopting a healthier and more sustainable food system. This is according to new policy passed today [Tuesday] at the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Annual Meeting.’ Again, hard to argue with.

Ah, yes, and, finally, this today:

‘As the American Medical Association (AMA) works for health reform this year that provides all Americans with affordable, high-quality health coverage, new policy states that the AMA ‘support health system reform alternatives that are consistent with AMA principles of pluralism, freedom of choice, freedom of practice, and universal access for patients.’ ”

Whether you agree or disagree, the language is, again, not so bold. But better than a poke in the eye, I suppose.

Here’s the Associated Press’ take: ‘Doctors signal they’ll work with Obama’

As writer Lindsey Tanner says: ‘While the Obama administration would have preferred a strong endorsement, the vote by American Medical Association doctors is a victory of sorts for the White House and the group will continue to be a player in the health care reform efforts.’

-- Tami Dennis