In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, rheumatologists face a growing number of challenges—from reimbursement pressures and workforce shortages to limited patient access to specialty care. Although clinical excellence remains the cornerstone of rheumatology, advocacy is increasingly essential to protect and advance the profession and the patients it serves.
Shaping Policy that Impacts Patient Care
Rheumatologists are uniquely positioned to speak to the complexities of treating chronic, often-debilitating conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and vasculitis. Advocacy ensures that lawmakers understand the real-world implications of such healthcare policies as prior authorization requirements, step therapy protocols and drug pricing reforms. Without rheumatology’s voice, decisions may be made that inadvertently harm patients or restrict access to care.
Protecting the Rheumatology Workforce
The rheumatology workforce faces a looming shortage, with demand for specialists far outpacing supply. Advocacy efforts help secure funding for training programs, loan repayment initiatives and visa reform for international medical graduates. These actions are critical to ensuring that future generations of patients have access to qualified rheumatology care.
Advancing Research & Innovation
Federal funding for rheumatology research is vital to discovering new treatments and improving outcomes. Advocacy helps direct resources to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies that support rheumatologic research. By engaging in advocacy, rheumatologists can help shape the research agenda and ensure that their field receives the attention and support it deserves.
Elevating the Profession’s Visibility
Rheumatology is often underrepresented in broader healthcare discussions. Advocacy raises awareness of the specialty’s value and the unique challenges it faces. This visibility can lead to better collaboration with other specialties, more informed policy decisions and increased public understanding of rheumatic diseases.
Empowering Rheumatologists to Lead Change
Engaging in advocacy transforms rheumatologists from passive recipients of policy to active participants in shaping it. Whether through contacting legislators, participating in Hill Days or contributing to RheumPAC, advocacy empowers professionals to lead change rather than react to it.
Getting Involved
Advocacy doesn’t require a background in politics—just a commitment to improving the future of rheumatology. Your voice as an advocate is essential. The ACR’s legislative action center is your destination to advocate for the needs and concerns of rheumatology providers, professionals and patients. Find out more about important federal advocacy issues, and take action today.
