At the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting 2013 in Chicago Stuart Weinstein, MD, discussed the organization's advocacy wing and why it's crucial for orthopedic and spine surgeons to become engaged in political advocacy in the session titled "Healthcare Advocacy: Why and How."
Dr. Weinstein is the chairman of the AAOS' political action committee, and he dispelled the notion that PACs are special interest groups. The Orthopaedic PAC is a pragmatic, non-ideological or partisan group that fights for issues important to the orthopedic profession, he said.
"Healthcare is a $2.7 trillion, heavily regulated industry," he said. "Look at the PAC as a mutual fund, investing the future. The PAC gives you access, a voice and a seat at the table to discuss issues."
Last year, the PAC contributed $4.5 million to political campaigns of Republican and Democratic candidates whose healthcare platforms aligned with the goals of AAOS. Though the Orthopaedic PAC only represents 2.7 percent of physicians, it is the most generous physician PAC in the country, Dr. Weinstein said.
He discussed how physician culture can be a barrier to engaging in advocacy. Most physicians are sideline players, but that needs to change. "It's never been more important to have a voice in the healthcare debate," he said.
Dr. Weinstein and David Teuscher, MD, mentioned ways interested physicians can get more involved with the PAC. Dr. Teuscher is the president-elect of the Texas Orthopedic Association and a past-president of the Jefferson County Medical Society. He has also served in numerous political offices and has actively supported several national political campaigns.
Both speakers encouraged interested physicians to:
• Host a fundraiser as an Orthopaedic PAC representative
• Invite politicians to your office
• Run for office
• Develop a personal relationship with local politicians
PAC members have made a significant impact on healthcare politics, including giving testimony before Congressional committees and serving as experts on medical policy issues. However, physicians new to the advocacy arena should have realistic expectations.
"Advocacy efforts take patience and persistence," Dr. Weinstein said. Rarely do advocacy efforts bring overnight changes. Advocates must be willing to persevere through challenges and setbacks to achieve ultimate goals.
During the session, John Froelich, MD, and Thomas Bowen also weighed in. Dr. Froelich is a former Washington health policy fellow for the Orthopaedic PAC, and Mr. Bowen is the former head of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's political action committee.
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"Healthcare is a $2.7 trillion, heavily regulated industry," he said. "Look at the PAC as a mutual fund, investing the future. The PAC gives you access, a voice and a seat at the table to discuss issues."
Last year, the PAC contributed $4.5 million to political campaigns of Republican and Democratic candidates whose healthcare platforms aligned with the goals of AAOS. Though the Orthopaedic PAC only represents 2.7 percent of physicians, it is the most generous physician PAC in the country, Dr. Weinstein said.
He discussed how physician culture can be a barrier to engaging in advocacy. Most physicians are sideline players, but that needs to change. "It's never been more important to have a voice in the healthcare debate," he said.
Dr. Weinstein and David Teuscher, MD, mentioned ways interested physicians can get more involved with the PAC. Dr. Teuscher is the president-elect of the Texas Orthopedic Association and a past-president of the Jefferson County Medical Society. He has also served in numerous political offices and has actively supported several national political campaigns.
Both speakers encouraged interested physicians to:
• Host a fundraiser as an Orthopaedic PAC representative
• Invite politicians to your office
• Run for office
• Develop a personal relationship with local politicians
PAC members have made a significant impact on healthcare politics, including giving testimony before Congressional committees and serving as experts on medical policy issues. However, physicians new to the advocacy arena should have realistic expectations.
"Advocacy efforts take patience and persistence," Dr. Weinstein said. Rarely do advocacy efforts bring overnight changes. Advocates must be willing to persevere through challenges and setbacks to achieve ultimate goals.
During the session, John Froelich, MD, and Thomas Bowen also weighed in. Dr. Froelich is a former Washington health policy fellow for the Orthopaedic PAC, and Mr. Bowen is the former head of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's political action committee.
More Articles on Orthopedics:
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton to Open Phase 1 of Orthopedic Center
Developing the Right Clinical Environment for Complex Spine and Orthopedic Cases
Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, Rex Healthcare Open Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center