We have had key discussions with Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton (R-MI) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI). We have been addressed by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) about the status of healthcare reform and SGR. I’ve had small group dinners with Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT). While supporting Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), we met Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) discussing healthcare issues. And it turns out that Rep. Ed Towns (D-NY) works downstairs from a current Government Affairs Committee member.
Learn More
I hope you’ll visit these websites for more information on this year’s Advocates for Arthritis fly-in (www.advocatesforarthritis.org) including how to participate in the ACR’s Virtual Hill Day on September 20th and Simple Tasks (www.simpletasks.org).
With the combined efforts of our members, the ACR, and our patients, we can influence the influencers who make decisions that affect rheumatology. We can enjoy more conversations that start with, “I have a patient who is feeling much better about the future of rheumatology care.” The ACR’s advocacy efforts have come a long way since we began this voyage two decades ago. Washington has certainly changed, but one thing remains the same and critically important: members of Congress are elected to represent their constituents (you), and they want to know your issues and how they can help you. It isn’t scary. They are not going to quiz you or ask you to solve the nation’s debt problem. You just need to tell your story. Tell them about your patients. Tell them about rheumatology.
You have a story to tell. Now is the time to tell it. Be the squeaky wheel.
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 [email protected].
