For seven years, Dr. Fritz Butehorn has cultivated invaluable relationships within the state’s medical community and the state legislature as he serves on SCMedPAC, the official Political Action Committee of the SCMA.
As the bipartisan political arm of the SCMA, the committee is the single largest political voice representing South Carolina physicians and the patients they serve. The group also helps elect physician-friendly candidates who are running for statewide office.
“Sometimes you feel like you have no power over the way medicine is practiced,” said Dr. Butehorn.
“Serving on this committee enables me to participate in some concrete changes that help physicians maintain a positive work environment and keep patient care at the forefront.”
Before state representatives create policies that impact physicians and patients, they do their homework. They lean on trusted voices like Dr. Butehorn’s to help them understand and prioritize policies about such pressing topics as scope of practice, non-competes, and access to physician directed healthcare.
The trust that weaves between the elected officials and political action committee members is the result of the relationships they have built over the years.
“Those connections are long standing so when there is an issue, we have positive standing and our representatives seek our advice,” said Dr. Butehorn.
Dr. Butehorn cited his friendship with Senator Shane Martin (District 13) as a perfect example of a win-win connection.
“I’ve gotten to know him over the years, and I consider him a friend,” Dr. Butehorn said. “If he has a problem, or needs clarification about an issue, he calls me and vice versa. If I call to ask him to meet with SCMA members, he comes. That type of relationship doesn’t happen overnight.”
“Fritz earns respect almost immediately,” said Sen. Martin. “Initially, it is his soft demeanor. He is not abrasive or over-the-top bubbly; he just has this soft, professional demeanor and no attitude.”
Over the years and many tough conversations, their friendship grew. Now they enjoy “cutting up together and going out together with our wives,” Sen. Martin said.
Sen. Martin appreciates the depth of their beyond-business friendship.
“He knows he can call me, and I will listen. I can call Fritz and ask, ‘What is this policy going to do for the doctors?’” Sen. Martin said.
“I know in my heart that he doesn’t expect me to be with him on every issue,” he added. “That is ideal because you want a relationship where you can discuss pros and cons. Fritz can confirm what policy will really hurt and what policy he thinks that doctors can they live with.”
Ultimately, Dr. Butehorn noted, doctors who participate in SCMedPAC discover that as they influence positive change, they are not as frustrated or burnt out in general.
“Rather than complaining about problems, there is immense reward in trying to figure out solutions,” said Dr. Butehorn.
“Each of us who are involved with SCMedPAC appreciate having a proactive strategy and then meeting with our representatives. We can shift our concerns into action.”
Learn More/ Donate: scmedical.org/advocacy/sc-medpac/
2025 Legislative Priorities
- Reducing cost of care
- Developing a robust and resilient healthcare workforce
- Expanding rural healthcare
- Protecting patient choice
- Preserving physician-led healthcare
