2025 AADA Legislative Conference: Increase Your Advocacy Influence-Getting Involved in Physician Advocacy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The discussion highlights the critical role of dermatologists in advocacy, emphasizing that making a difference extends beyond clinical practice to active engagement with policy and legislators. Dr. Lorraine Rosamilia and Dr. Clint Peebles share personal journeys illustrating the importance of mentorship, relationship-building, and leveraging networks to amplify voices within state and federal medical societies, including the AMA. They stress the necessity of respectful, patient-focused communication with lawmakers across political divides, tailoring messages to resonate with diverse perspectives, and fostering long-term connections to sustain influence regardless of political shifts.<br /><br />Key advice includes thorough preparation about legislators' backgrounds, coordinated team messaging, and maintaining professionalism during legislative visits. Advocates are encouraged to use personal stories to illustrate how payment reforms impact patient access and healthcare quality, addressing questions like "where is the pay for?" by framing outpatient care as cost-saving by preventing expensive hospitalizations.<br /><br />The conversation underscores advocacy as a marathon requiring continuous education, collaboration, and utilizing staff and organizational resources. Participants are urged to engage year-round—educating patients, using social media, hosting events, and contributing to efforts like SkinPac. Ultimately, the goal is to unify around the shared mission of ensuring patient access to high-quality dermatologic care, reminding advocates that their insights are invaluable to legislators and critical for shaping healthcare's future.

Asset Subtitle

Learn the most effective ways to engage in advocacy year-round from a panel of experienced dermatologist advocates.

Keywords

dermatology advocacy

physician mentorship

policy engagement

legislative communication

healthcare payment reform

patient access to care

medical society collaboration

long-term advocacy strategies