Last week, President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address to Congress and to the American people. Our country is facing trying times, and we as future physicians have a unique responsibility and ability to help guide issues of enormous consequence that could determine not only the future of our own profession, but the future of the nation.

In his address, we heard the President reinforce the importance and urgency of health care reform. He asked Congress to move forward in finishing the job. We, too, need to push our Congressional leaders to complete their goals and improve current reform legislation to truly reach the goals of expanding access, eliminating health disparities, controlling costs, and expanding primary care. As the President said, "Do not walk away from reform. Not now. Not when we are so close."

As America suffers, poor and marginalized populations lack adequate health care around the world. Patients in developing countries without access to prevention and treatment, with inadequate or nonexistent health systems, and those plagued by infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, are at highest risk during this time of economic vulnerability. Now more than ever, U.S. global health aid is vital to the survival of these patients.

The President also noted an issue near and dear to many future professionals and current students - the student debt burden continues to grow, as costs increase and loan and scholarship assistance lags behind. AMSA will continue to push for student debt reform, both for college and medical students, and for continued support of programs like the National Health Service Corps, that incentivize primary care while helping students pay for their education.

Click here to read the entire statement from AMSA National President Dr. Lauren Hughes.