“These events are extremely valuable,” says Angus Worthing, MD, chair of the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC), noting the events bring a wide variety of people from the rheumatic disease community together to Capitol Hill to have their voices heard.
“Patients, rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals, like nurses, physical therapists and practice managers, meet in groups with their elected officials and staff to tell them firsthand about the best ways to maximize our patients’ access to care and treatments, and to bolster rheumatology research and our workforce,” he says.
Events at a Glance
During the Advocates for Arthritis fly-in event, which is open to all ACR and ARHP members and their patients, participants are first briefed on specific legislative issues identified by the GAC as advocacy priorities, then join other attendees from their state or region to meet with their legislators and congressional staff to explain the issues and ask for support.
Fellows and program directors who want to dig deeper into advocacy work and learn the tricks of the trade are also encouraged to apply for the Advocacy 101 course. The three-day event opens with a one-day course devoted to teaching the basics of advocacy, the healthcare system and the specific advocacy work of the ACR. On the following days, participants join the greater Advocates for Arthritis Fly-in group for the legislative issues briefing and Hill meetings.
How to Make Sausage in D.C.
Christina Downey, MD, assistant professor of medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, Calif., who is organizing the Advocacy 101 course this year, urges fellows and program directors to apply.
Now in its fourth year, the Advocacy 101 course allows participants to develop a broader understanding of the specific systems-based issues facing rheumatology via learning about advocacy, and provides the opportunity for attendees to create relationships with other ACR leaders and network with peers nationwide.
“I would strongly encourage all fellows to apply to come to D.C. to learn about advocacy from seasoned vets,” she says. “Advocacy is one way physicians can truly care for their patients on all levels, beyond the walls of the hospital or clinic.”