Meet Advocates for Better Health

Our Evolution

When the Twin Cities Medical Society was formed in 2010, our inaugural president Dr. Ed Ehlinger had a vision for a new kind of medical society, one that acted as a bridge between the medical profession and public health. In the spirit of this vision, our Board of Directors and staff are excited to announce a new brand for our organization to signify that we have become a medical association wholly focused on public health.

Our new name - Advocates for Better Health (ABH) - reflects an ongoing evolution in the organization’s mission and its vision toward physician and medical student advocacy dedicated to healthier, more equitable communities. Our new brand positions ABH as a forward-looking organization at the heart of the changes in medicine and public health sorely needed to address healthcare’s most critical issues. 

Our Board has worked hard as our organization continues our evolution as a new kind of medical society to meet the shifting realities in public health. We selected Advocates for Better Health – ABH – as a reflection of the ongoing evolution of our mission and vision, and to further cement our organization’s whole focus on public health. Read the full press release about our new name here.

Our Vision

To be the organization where individuals or communities can turn to for physician-led expertise and engagement, and where physicians can pour their passion for doing good well beyond what they may be able to do within their everyday work.

Our Mission

Advocates for Better Health is dedicated to creating a healthy, equitable, and thriving state by engaging physicians and medical students in community-driven public health initiatives.

What’s Next

As part of our mission, ABH initiatives will advance the health of our Minnesota communities while at the same time promote physician well-being. Top priorities for ABH in the coming year include initiatives to restrict flavored commercial tobacco products and to promote universal school meals. ABH will continue to support important programs including the Dr. Pete Dehnel Public Health Advocacy Fellowship.

The TCMS Foundation Board of Directors, our philanthropic arm, will be known as ABH l The Foundation.

We can create meaningful change when we come together. Support ABH’s ongoing and future public health initiatives by joining Advocates for Better Health or renewing your membership.