CPL Spotlight: Clifford P. Martin   Location: Tucson Program: 2006 Arizona Fellow Profession: MD Fellow, Infectious Diseases at the University of Arizona Fellowship Track:  Future Candidate

What personal values most shape your political beliefs?

Freedom, equality and justice are the fundamental values that shape my political beliefs. 

What motivates you to be involved in public service?

It is my conviction that freedom, equality and justice are basic rights that motivates me to be involved in public service.  I was raised in a conservative Christian family that taught me that my religious faith was not authentic if not made by free choice, and that the ability to make free choices can only come from being exposed to a wide variety of experiences through a diverse, broad education.  I believe that this principle applies to virtually all areas of life and citizenship. 

I am motivated to participate in public service by my conviction that all Americans should have equal access to education and opportunity, regardless of the color of their skin, their ethnic or religious identity, their sex or sexual orientation, marital status or any other factor.  I believe that one of the key roles of government is to protect these freedoms.  I feel saddened that rather than upholding them, many of our elected officials today are instead systematically working to limit these freedoms.  I believe it is the duty of citizens who are committed to the ideals of freedom, equality and justice to become involved in public service in whatever way they can. 

Is there any accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?

The accomplishments that I am most proud of are the small differences that I make day to day in the lives of my patients.  As an internal medicine physician and an infectious diseases fellow, the moments that make me the most proud are those when I am able to help alleviate the pain and suffering of my hospitalized patients. 

In our country today, the health care system lends itself to disjointed care, indignity during hospitalizations, and ineffective communication among physicians, patients and their families.  My proudest moments have been when I have been able to overcome these barriers, and patients hold my hand and thank me for making a difference in their lives.

What are your long-term leadership interests?

I am interested in fostering progressive change in state and national health care, education, and social policy.  To this end, I am considering a run for the Arizona state legislature in the near future.

What long-term change do you want to help bring to your state or community?

It is my personal vision that every child have equal access to a broad, quality education in our state.  Without education, there is no true freedom of choice or freedom of thought.  Without education, there is no respect for diversity in all its forms, be it the diversity of the human race, the diversity in our environment, or the diversity of ideas and philosophies.   Without a broad education, we fail to see the bigger picture in our individual struggles to make it in life.  Without education, there is no clear vision and there is no innovation. 

I believe that through education, we as citizens can gain the knowledge, perspective, insight and skill to face the immense challenges facing us today—problems of aging and emerging diseases, of immigration, of religious differences, and of the changing demands on private business to meet the demands of the future.  We have lost sight of the purpose and goal of education in our state. 

I believe that education should not be sectarian or non-sectarian, but rather inter-sectarian, where all ideas are welcome, discussed, debated and challenged in an atmosphere of respect.  This is the beginning of the change that I want to help bring to my state, and to my community.

...and about the Center for Progressive Leadership:

What attracted you to the CPL Arizona Fellowship?

I have been frustrated for many years by the lack of a cohesive, articulate and strong progressive vision in our state and country.  I was attracted to the Fellowship because it aims to provide the tools that I believe will help fill this void.  The emphasis on coaching, mentorship, effective communication skills, networking and planning combine to form a comprehensive experience that I just couldn’t pass up.

How do you envision the Fellowship helping you to achieve your goals?

There are several ways that I am sure the fellowship will help me achieve my goals:

• I have already gained valuable communication skills through training and coaching sessions
• I have met progressive-minded leaders from many backgrounds and perspectives, both faculty and fellows, who are broadening my perspectives and educating me on a variety of issues
• I am learning the ins and outs of strategic planning and fundraising
• The mentors with whom I am working are providing me incredible insight and guidance as I examine my personal and political goals
• Perhaps most importantly, I am developing relationships that will continue to be influential in my life as we jointly continue to work together for positive, progressive political change in our state and country

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