Page 5 - Mecklenburg_Medicine_February-2020

President’s Letter

Participating in Advocacy

IBy John R. Allbert, MD impression candidates remember not just who raised money for
n last month’s letter, I wrote that one purpose of our Society them, but how they helped create energy in fellow voters.
is to secure intelligent unity and harmony in every phase of
our work, and how there are neurobiological reasons why The third, and most important thing, is to advocate on
we may view things differently from one another. our behalf to your legislator. This shouldn’t surprise you,
but physicians are one of the most trusted of all professions.
2020 is going to be a critical election year; the results will Legislators rely heavily on us to educate them on healthcare policy
and translate medical terminology into language more easily
impact how high malpractice insurance premiums will be, how understood. They are eager to listen to us and build relationships.
Just by participating in the process, we can be very impactful. If
easy it will be for our patients to have access to medical care, we don’t, someone else will invariably speak for us.

how we will determine care for our patients and even how we So how might you become involved in advocacy? As a group,
when it comes to support of, or opposition to, legislation, phone
are compensated. There are very politically powerful groups that calls, emails and personal visits are effective if done with adequate
frequency and volume. As an individual, you can write a letter to
Knowing we don’t don’t always have our best the editor, an OpEd in the local paper and attend a lobbying day
agree on everything, interests in mind, such arranged by the NCMS. But the most effective way of influencing
as insurance companies, your legislator is to form a relationship that is strong enough he/she
pharmaceutical feels comfortable enough to call you for your opinion. To start this
relationship, simply call and meet for coffee and ask them why they
your county and state companies, attorneys are running for elected office. This will spark a conversation where
and sometimes even the you can both listen and offer your ideas for consideration.

medical societies focus Hospital Association. When you meet with your legislator, it is always helpful to
The main question in maximize your emotional intelligence.
• Be respectful of the legislator’s time and position on an issue.
on issues, such as politics is, “Who gets • Introduce yourself and your issue.
What, When and How?” • Know your issue and be prepared for questions.
administrative burdens, • Tell a personal story about how an issue affected one of
Medicaid or public Physicians represent
health, that physicians diverse political your patients.
viewpoints: 60 percent • Do not be argumentative, interrupt, take notes or be arrogant.
of surgeons and • Most important advice I have been given is to be nice to his/
anesthesiologists are
her staff. These people have influence with legislators and
for the most part can registered Republicans, can hurt you and your cause more than you would think.
while more than 70
The success of advocacy has fundamental truths, one of which
agree on. percent of psychiatrists is that groups that are consistent and speak with one voice are
and pediatricians are more likely to be successful than an individual. That is why it
is critical you be involved with your county and state medical
Democrats. So, knowing society to make the biggest impact locally and at the state level
by being a part of a unified voice.
we don’t agree on everything, your county and state medical
When you get involved, remember there are big wins and
societies focus on issues, such as administrative burdens, little wins, there are big losses and little losses, so don’t be
discouraged. Together, we will be impactful.
Medicaid or public health, that physicians for the most part can
Respectfully yours,
agree on.

In order to have the greatest influence on legislation, we must be

part of electing the best legislators from those who step forward,

and then foster lasting relationships with them. There are three

things healthcare professionals can do to make a difference.

First, be informed. The MCMS leadership will arrange events
this year where you can meet local candidates and discuss issues
facing our profession. By participating, you will be able to help us
judge how effective these candidates will represent us.

The second is to support our Society’s political action

committee (PAC). You cannot view this as buying influence.
Running for office costs money, and it is critical we help elect
individuals who are more likely to agree with us on issues that
benefit our patients and our ability to take care of them. It is my

Mecklenburg Medicine • February 2020 | 5