MAG Doctor of the Day

The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) is encouraging its members to serve as a ‘MAG Doctor of the Day’ program volunteer during the 2020 legislative session, which is expected to run through the middle of April.

MAG Doctor of the Day volunteers work in the Medical Aid Station at the State Capitol, where they provide free minor medical care to legislators and their staff members.

As MAG’s Doctor of the Day, you will…

– Be introduced in the House and Senate chambers by your state representative and senator

– Have your photo taken with the governor (contingent on their availability)

– Have a reserved parking place

– Be assisted by a nurse

– Be protected by the state’s ‘Good Samaritan Law’

Keeping in mind that MAG will always be available to answer any questions, MAG Doctor of the Day volunteers…

– Should arrive at the Capitol no later than 9 a.m. They should go directly to the Medical Aid Station on the second floor, and they should plan on being at the Capitol until 5 p.m. – though legislative days often end sooner.

– Are encouraged to bring sample medications and a prescription pad.

– Receive a complimentary parking pass for the day.

The MAG Doctor of the Day program is a non-political service. Physicians do not serve as lobbyists when they serve as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer.

If you are interested in serving as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer, complete the application form and email it to Christiana Craddock at ccraddock@mag.org. She will provide you with available dates and logistical details. Physicians can call Craddock at 678.303.9271 with questions.

MAG “Doctor of the Day” Program FAQ

How do I sign up to be a MAG Doctor of the Day program volunteer?

Complete the application form and email it to Christiana Craddock at ccraddock@mag.org. She will provide you with available dates and logistical details. Physicians can also call Craddock at 678.303.9271 with any questions.

Is the Doctor of the Day program limited to MAG members?

No. Any M.D. or D.O. who is licensed in Georgia can serve as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer.

Can retired physicians serve as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer?

Yes – as long as they have an active medical license in the state.

Can I serve as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer more than once during a legislative session?

Yes, and it’s not unusual for a physician to serve as a Doctor of the Day more than once during a legislative session.

Should legislators and their staff encourage their personal physicians to serve as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer?

Yes, absolutely.

Can physicians in any specialty serve as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer?

Yes – any licensed M.D. or D.O. can serve as a Doctor of the Day volunteer.

Is MAG’s Medical Aid Station stocked with medicine?

Yes. MAG relies on the generosity of physicians and pharmacists to furnish the Medical Aid Station with medicine. Doctor of the Day volunteers are encouraged to bring sample medications to the Medical Aid Station on the day of their service. The most common medications that are needed include amoxicillin, biaxin, levaquin, Z packs, Benadryl, aspirin (81 mg and 325 mg), Advil (200 mg), Aleve (220 mg), Tylenol, Tylenol Sinus, Claritin, Mucinex and Mucinex DM, Mylanta or Pepto-Bismol, Robitussin, Neosporin ointment, and blood glucose test strips.

Where should I park when I serve as a MAG Doctor of the Day volunteer?

Doctor of the Day volunteers can use parking space 12 in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building courtyard parking lot at 18 Capitol Square, SW – which is located at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Capitol Square, directly across the street from the Capitol. Enter the lot on Capitol Place, which is the road between the Coverdell Building and the South Parking Deck. Note that Capitol Place is a one way street from Trinity Avenue to Mitchell Street. Click here to view the parking map. MAG will provide you with a parking permit that you must display on your vehicle’s dashboard to avoid being ticketed, towed or booted. Click here for directions to the Georgia State Capitol.

Where should MAG Doctor of the Day volunteers stay if they are from out of town?

There are a number of good lodging options that are close to the State Capitol, but the most convenient is the Holiday Inn Atlanta Capitol Conference Center.

Are MAG Doctor of the Day volunteers protected by Georgia’s “Good Samaritan Law”?

Yes. Georgia law states that “any persons rendering emergency care to a victim of an accident or emergency are not liable for any civil damages.” Click here for Georgia’s “Good Samaritan Law.