Monica C. Wehby, MD, a neurosurgeon based in Portland, Ore., announced she would resign her post on the American Association of Neurological Surgeons board of directors to run for the United States Senate.
Dr. Wehby announced her candidacy today. She is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Randall Children's Hospital in Portland and previously served as president of the Oregon Medical Association and Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland.
"There is no question that Dr. Wehby is eminently qualified, as she proved so adeptly through her leadership on the AANS Board," said William T. Couldwell, MD, AANS president, in a news release. "It will be through people like her that we can achieve positive change in our nation's healthcare system, and we wish her well in her quest to claim a seat in the U.S. Senate."
Dr. Wehby said stepping down from her position on the AANS Board was a tough decision, but she felt it a necessary step to fully devoting herself to her campaign. Dr. Wehby is a registered Republican and serves as a trustee on several boards, including the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Services and the Legacy Health Systems Foundation.
"I will never stop being a doctor," said Dr. Wehby on her website. "Serving as your Senator will simply be an extension of the work that I have done my entire adult life — listening to the patient, looking at data, figuring out the problem and fixing it."
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