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The Importance of Advocacy

​Anyone who paid any attention to the recent political debates over health care reform knows that the world we live in as physicians, and specifically anesthesiologists, is strongly affected by the political process. That is perhaps more true for our vocation than any other. It is important that, even as residents, we are involved in the political process because now more than ever is a time of epic change in the medical and political system.The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is one of the best medical specialty societies at engaging the system and working for your future. As part of their Engage 2010 campaign, the ASA and the ASA Political Action Committee has targeted three specific topics of import to anesthesiologists. They are outlined below.

​How can you be part of the solution, notwithstanding 80-hour work weeks, hours of studying in your non-existent free time, making time for family and that little luxury we used to know back in college called “sleep?”
  • Be knowledgeable of the issues. Because this is often quite difficult, we’ve created this brief primer on what it is we’re fighting for and why.
  • Be part of the system by donating to ASAPAC and ZPAC,so that people who have the time that you don’t can fight in your stead. The resident donation level to ASAPAC is $20 per year. Everyone can give up four Starbucks coffees to help the future of your specialty.
  • Take five minutes to help to the cause by sending an e-mail or a brief letter to your senator or congressman about these issues.
  • Invite your legislator to visit you on-site. This is powerful because it enables your legislator to witness first-hand how you care for your patients – their constituents – and the problems you face everyday in providing that care. 

​One last point to remember: we must involve ourselves in the political process, because if you’re not at the table, you are usually on the menu.