Congressman Greg Murphy: It’s Time for More Physicians To Run for Office

In an age when healthcare policy increasingly shapes the lives of physicians, Republican Congressman Greg Murphy believes more doctors should be doing something many never consider: running for public office.

Speaking on the How I Doctor podcast, Murphy — North Carolina’s 3rd District Representative and a practicing urologist — described the urgent need for physicians to step into leadership roles beyond the hospital.

“We lost four doctors to retirement in Congress last session. That’s a huge blow,” he said. “We need physicians in office who actually understand what it means to take care of patients — not just push papers.”

A Profession at a Crossroads

Murphy, who still sees patients pro bono, says his clinical experience gives him unique credibility in D.C. “When I walk into a lawmaker’s office and say, ‘I just came from the OR,’ that lands differently.”

That real-world insight, he argues, is sorely lacking among decision-makers. “Too many of the people shaping healthcare policy have never set foot in a hospital as anything but a visitor.”

The Costs — and Rewards — of Public Service

Murphy is frank about the sacrifices of running for office. He’s taken a pay cut and faced death threats, but he says it’s worth it. “This isn’t an easy job. But I’m here because I care about the future of healthcare — and who’s going to take care of my kids when they’re patients one day.”

He adds: “If doctors don’t step up, people who have no damn clue will write the rules for us.”

What Physicians Bring to Politics

According to Murphy, physicians are uniquely qualified for public service. “We’ve been trained to solve problems under pressure, to listen, and to act with integrity. Those are the skills we need in Congress.”

He acknowledges that many doctors feel disillusioned with politics or underqualified. “That’s a mindset we have to change. The healthcare system isn’t going to fix itself.”

A Call to Action

Murphy closes with a direct appeal: “You don’t have to quit medicine. You don’t need a political science degree. But we do need your voice — at the state level, at your hospital board, or yes, even in Congress.”

Whether it’s shaping Medicare reform or pushing back against corporate consolidation, Murphy believes doctors have the experience — and the obligation — to help guide the future of healthcare from the inside.