TR: What activities or approaches for advocacy have you found that work well—and which ones don’t?
Dr. Kamran: The one thing that I have found that works probably the best is making personal relationships with legislators and their staff. If you have their ear and you’re able to have a personal connection, it goes a long way. I would also recommend doing research on the topic you are advocating for and also being prepared to back up your arguments with data and facts. Being well prepared for the meeting certainly can make a difference.
TR: How can ACR/ARP members be active advocates as the pandemic continues?
Dr. Kamran: My advice is to get involved at whatever level you can. The more our physicians and APPs [advanced practice providers] get involved, the more the legislators hear from us, hear the stories of the patients and the difficulties we as a community are facing to provide healthcare, the more impact we can make in the long term.
Kimberly J. Retzlaff is a freelance medical journalist based in Denver.
Every ACR/ARP member can advance rheumatology by being an advocate for rheumatology issues, practices and patients. Find tools and resources from the ACR to guide your advocacy journey.
