Read with a Doc is gaining momentum, with more sessions scheduled and plans underway to further expand the program, which aims to provide valuable programming at area libraries that sparks conversation, thought, and helps restore public trust in science and medicine.

Dr. David Sabgir, cardiologist and founder of the successful Walk with a Doc program, hosted two successful programs this summer. The next session is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at the Westerville Public Library. Find more information here.

Kathy Harter, CMA Alliance Member, brought this opportunity to the CMA and helped it grow into the evolving resource it is today. Read the Q&A with Kathy below to learn more about how the program began and what’s next.

1. What first inspired you to bring the idea of Read with a Doc to the Columbus Medical Association?
As a member of the AMA Alliance Task Force on Advocacy & Legislation, we are encouraged each year to identify a program that could be developed and shared with state and county alliances nationwide. During our discussions, we focused on libraries as welcoming, educational spaces that people already love and trust.

In our research, including conversations with organizations like the American Library Association and the Columbus Metropolitan Library, we found that while many community groups offer programming in libraries, very few involve physicians. It was clear this was a niche that the AMA Alliance could help fill. The libraries were enthusiastic about the idea, which further motivated us to move forward.

2. Why did you feel CMA was the right partner to bring this idea to life?
Our task force was asked to reach out to local county medical societies to explore partnership opportunities. The Columbus Medical Association (CMA) is known for being open to innovation, so I met with the new CEO Tracy Davidson. From the beginning, she was supportive and saw the value in connecting physicians with the community through libraries.

She believed CMA could help identify physicians interested in giving 30–40-minute presentations on a medical specialty or topic of personal interest, with time for audience questions. The Alliance would assist with logistics—reserving library space, coordinating with librarians to display related books, and creating promotional flyers and posters.

Tracy also recommended I reach out to Dr. David Sabgir, who founded Walk with a Doc right here in central Ohio—a program that has grown nationally. Coincidentally, they were also exploring ways to bring their message into libraries. Two summer dates were already set aside, and our efforts quickly aligned. I'm pleased to say that Dr. David Sabgir and his spouse, Kristi, led two outstanding pilot programs that can easily be replicated across the country.

3. What makes Read with a Doc personally meaningful to you?
Libraries are foundational to community wellness. They’re safe, trusted spaces where people come to learn. Physicians should be visible not only in exam rooms but also as active members of the community.

Unfortunately, public trust in the medical community has declined—something that was only exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. By collaborating with libraries, we can help rebuild that trust. Connecting physicians with community members in an approachable, informal setting fosters understanding and strengthens relationships.

4. How do you see this program complementing or enhancing other CMA and CMAF efforts—like Walk with a Doc or Doc to Doc?
This program can serve as an extension of CMA and CMA Foundation efforts, offering physicians and their spouses or partners new ways to connect with the public. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for couples—especially those in medical marriages—to participate together. My husband Ron and I have found that doing community service as a couple brings us closer, and I believe others would experience the same.

CMA can continue supporting Read with a Doc and Walk with a Doc by recruiting participating physicians and building relationships with local librarians. The Foundation might consider appointing a library representative to its board or supporting local libraries directly.

Doc to Doc has already been a great resource for physician wellness. Read with a Doc could serve as a gentle, welcoming point of entry for physicians seeking reconnection and renewal. With thoughtful input from mental health professionals, it could evolve into a wellness resource in its own right.

5. What role do you think physicians can play in sparking meaningful conversations through books?
Physicians love to read and share their knowledge. A participating doctor could work with a librarian to curate a book list that complements their presentation topic—creating a learning experience that extends beyond the event.

Dr. David Sabgir’s first two Read with a Doc sessions had a wonderful turnout and sparked rich conversation. Attendees exchanged book recommendations, and Dr. Sabgir left with a list of titles to read himself. It was interactive, informative, and mutually inspiring.

6. You’ve helped lead and shape this project — what has surprised you most about how it’s grown or how people have responded?
We’re still in the early stages, but the enthusiasm has been incredible. Our goal is to develop easy-to-use templates and step-by-step guides so this program can be implemented anywhere. We’ve already created t-shirts, are designing flyers and posters, and are working on a children’s coloring page. As a mom of five, I know firsthand how valuable a quiet activity can be when you're trying to attend a program at the library!

7. Looking ahead, what do you hope this program becomes for the community?
When we introduced the idea to the Columbus Metropolitan Library, they were genuinely excited. Seeing physicians outside clinical settings—as accessible, trustworthy members of the community—is not only refreshing but necessary. I hope that this program helps restore public trust in science and medicine, encouraging people to make thoughtful, informed decisions about their health.  It's nice to see that your Physician is a helping hand in that decision. 

Our AMA Alliance Committee is also exploring the development of evidence-based talking points on public issues like safety, environmental health, and quality of life—all topics that can be addressed in Read with a Doc sessions.

We will continue to provide updates on the Read with a Doc program in the CMA Newsletter. If you’d like to get involved, contact Brian Romney at bryan@walkwithadoc.org.

The CMA Practice Manager meeting on August 20 had a great turnout! We hosted a lively breakfast session with 25 practice managers and Daphne Kackloudis and Jordan Burdick with BMD Law. Daphne and Jordan, who both specialize in healthcare law, discussed and answered questions on best practices and potential pitfalls for obtaining valid general and informed consent, employment practices, contracts, and maintaining and destroying medical records. 

This group meets monthly to share knowledge, resources, and strategies that help practice managers navigate challenges and strengthen their organizations.

Thank you to our August session sponsors:

• BMD
• Columbus Medical Association Foundation
• CARR
• MagMutual
  
• WesBanco

The next meeting will be September 24, 2025, and will focus on prioritizing practice marketing. Learn more and register here. Contact Lynn Manoogian with any questions.

Patients filing for bankruptcy can significantly disrupt a healthcare practice’s usual billing and collections processes. Effectively managing these situations is crucial yet it’s often an overlooked aspect of practice management. By understanding the legal requirements and establishing clear procedures, medical practices can avoid legal pitfalls and preserve patient trust.

Monitor Bankruptcy Notifications

When a patient files for bankruptcy, the court issues a notice. It’s essential for healthcare practices to monitor these notifications, as continued collection efforts on a debt included in bankruptcy can lead to legal complications. 

Comply with the FDCPA

 The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) establishes standards that prohibit harassment and ensure fairness in debt collection practices. Physicians and practice managers must adhere to its provisions when collecting debts, especially regarding patients in bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Types and Their Impact on Medical Bills

Understanding the different types of bankruptcy can help healthcare providers and administrators manage patient debts effectively.

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (liquidation): Under Chapter 7, a patient’s assets are liquidated to settle debts, with certain exemptions. Medical bills are categorized as unsecured debt, the last in line for repayment. Medical practices should expect to recover little or no payment and the unpaid balance will need to be written off if it is included in the discharge.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (reorganization/debt repayment plan): Chapter 13 allows patients to reorganize their debts under a court-supervised repayment plan that typically occurs over three to five years. Medical debts may be included in this plan, which can lead to partial payment over time. Providers must work with the bankruptcy trustee, comply with the plan and suspend collection efforts once Chapter 13 is filed until the court decides how debts will be handled.
• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (Business Reorganization): While primarily for businesses, high-net-worth individuals can sometimes use Chapter 11 for personal debt reorganization. Medical bills may be restructured, allowing for partial payment over time. Similar to Chapter 13, the healthcare provider must follow the court’s reorganization plan and accept incremental payments, if available.
  

Effective Communication and Documentation

Good communication and documentation can help to prevent misunderstandings and legal conflicts and maintain patient trust. When a patient informs a practice about filing for bankruptcy, it’s essential to secure written confirmation and record this information in the patient records. Any further collection efforts on the account should cease. 

If a patient verbally claims to have filed for bankruptcy, request documentation like a case number or court notice and verify this information through public bankruptcy records. Temporarily suspending collections while awaiting confirmation is a good practice to avoid violating the automatic stay.

Establish Internal Policies for Handling Bankrupt Accounts

To manage patient bankruptcies effectively, it’s vital for practices to create clear policies and ensure that bills do not get sent to patients going through bankruptcy. 

Any termination of a physician-patient relationship should be well documented following proper protocols, such as providing written notice and sufficient time for the patient to secure alternative care and ensuring emergency care is not disrupted. Providers should avoid discharging a patient solely due to a bankruptcy filing and instead base the decision on broader payment challenges.
Seek Legal Guidance
To stay compliant with bankruptcy laws and FDCPA guidelines, healthcare practices may benefit from consulting with legal counsel. An attorney with experience in bankruptcy and debt collection can provide tailored guidance, reducing the risk of costly errors. Having legal support also ensures that staff have reliable resources to answer questions about handling bankrupt accounts.

Consequences of Noncompliance

Failing to manage patient bankruptcies correctly can have serious ramifications for a healthcare practice, including legal penalties, reputational damage, financial losses and loss of patient trust.

Final Thoughts

Proactively managing patient bankruptcies by establishing clear policies, staying compliant with legal standards and educating staff can help healthcare practices avoid costly mistakes. By understanding bankruptcy procedures and communicating effectively with patients, providers can maintain strong patient relationships while protecting their practice’s financial stability.

MagMutual provides expert resources and guidance to help healthcare professionals navigate these challenges with confidence. Visit our full library of Healthcare Insights for additional support.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute legal, medical or any other professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created and you should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.