Their unifying theme: "We all desire to provide the best medical care possible to patients in our respective communities. This is at the heart of everything we do." But they are "alarmed by the current trends in our healthcare system…and the challenges we face in providing quality care to our patients."

The idea was proposed by Sean Khozin, MD, MPH, and gained 1,000 signatures just in the first day it was posted on the Sermo website (a very interesting, innovative, and important secure web-based discussion platform that allows doctors to consult with each other about medical cases).

The doctors say that "For decades the United States has led the world in healthcare. We have enjoyed the finest hospitals, medical schools, research, technology, and resources." But they say that as a result of high costs and third-party intrusion, "patients have lost their freedom of choice…As a result, it has become difficult for physicians to deliver the best possible care," and the doctor-patient relationship is being compromised.

The doctors don't make any policy recommendations in the letter, but it is a way for them to give a voice to their central concern about wanting and needing to put their patients first. That's the right place to start with any policy discussion.