Engaging in the political process is necessary for the ACR. Every aspect of your profession—from Medicare payments, to research dollars, to work force issues—is influenced by Congress. Supporting RheumPAC and all of the ACR’s lobbying and advocacy activities collectively provides rheumatology access on Capitol Hill.
I have contributed generously to RheumPAC since its inception and will contribute again this year. RheumPAC has the full support of the ACR Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and the ACR’s leadership recognizes RheumPAC’s important role in our efforts. RheumPAC is not about Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives. RheumPAC is not about healthcare reform. RheumPAC simply provides us access and opportunities. From there, it is up to us to ensure that Congress understands and recognizes the value of the rheumatology subspecialty.
Dr. Borenstein is clinical professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at George Washington University Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., and in private practice at Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates there. Contact him via e-mail at Borenstein@rheumatology.org.