Each May, ACR leaders, fellows and others converge in Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress on issues that matter to rheumatologists. But what happens before they head to Capitol Hill?
Fellows who attend the Advocacy 101 portion of the Advocacy Leadership Conference will learn critical skills to advocate for the future of rheumatology year-round from ACR staff and volunteer leaders. Additionally, all Advocacy Leadership Conference attendees will receive in-depth issue training on Medicare reimbursement and what Congress can do to better support the rheumatology community and strengthen patients’ access to care.
To that end, Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (R-Ind.), will be on hand to share his perspective on the issue as a physician in Congress. Dr. Bucshon has been a champion of many of the ACR’s advocacy priorities during his tenure, including Medicare physician payment, prior authorization reform and workforce issues.
Fellows interested in attending next year’s Advocacy Leadership Conference should note that ACR staff will begin accepting Advocacy 101 applications later this year. With any questions, contact Paige Colston, ACR’s manager of PAC and grassroots engagement.
