Realizing the Value of Participation
“It can be easy to feel that health policy in our country is tremendously opaque and inaccessible. And it is, but I’ve realized just how important it is to try our best to understand it, and to remain involved to influence changes that can impact our patients and our practice,” he stresses.
To his colleagues, Dr. Craig says involvement can happen in many different ways. “Even if you are not someone who gets involved directly, it’s important to know what is happening, and what is being discussed. And it is always an immense help to invest in RheumPAC in order to support the ACR’s advocacy efforts.”
While he is excited to see more ACR members getting involved and supporting the College’s advocacy efforts, he says work remains to raise awareness and inspire involvement. “It’s hard to drop everything and come to D.C., but even at the state level there is work to be done in communicating with legislators and increasing our presence.”
Dr. Craig also pursues his interest in policy and politics when he can find free time outside his work and volunteer activities. He says free time at home is limited to when he and his wife aren’t trying to keep up with their fun, active 2-year old.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the recent work of the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee.
Carina Stanton is a freelance science writer in Denver.
