Advocacy Module-Earnest et al - Academic Medicine 2010 - Physician Advocacy

Earnest et al - Academic Medicine 2010 - Physician Advocacy - What is it and how do we do it

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Physician advocacy is seen as a key aspect of medical professionalism, with widespread acceptance of its importance. However, the concept remains undefined and there is a lack of training and practice opportunities for physicians to develop advocacy skills. This article proposes a definition of physician advocacy and describes the spectrum of physician advocacy through the biographies of actual physician advocates. Physician advocacy is defined as action by a physician to promote social, economic, educational, and political changes that address the suffering and threats to human health and well-being that they identify through their professional work and expertise.<br /><br />Physicians are uniquely positioned to engage in advocacy, as they have a deep understanding of medical issues and are trusted by the public. However, there are barriers that prevent physicians from fully embracing their role as advocates, such as limited evidence of physicians engaging in advocacy activities and a discrepancy between professional values and behaviors. Other barriers include lack of formal training in advocacy skills, time constraints, and the culture of medicine that emphasizes clinical competence over advocacy.<br /><br />To sustain and foster physician advocacy, changes are needed in medical education. This includes incorporating advocacy training in undergraduate and graduate medical education programs, developing clear advocacy competencies, and providing opportunities for practicing physicians to engage in advocacy activities. It is also important to develop an infrastructure that supports advocacy, including funding for advocacy research, training, and activities. Private health foundations and partnerships with community organizations can also provide support for advocacy initiatives.<br /><br />In conclusion, physician advocacy is an essential component of medical professionalism. Training and practice opportunities are needed to develop the advocacy skills of physicians and to make advocacy a sustainable activity.

Keywords

physician advocacy

medical professionalism

definition of physician advocacy

spectrum of physician advocacy

barriers to physician advocacy

advocacy training

advocacy competencies

advocacy activities

infrastructure for advocacy

sustainable physician advocacy