Advocacy Module-Hill - AAOS Now - Early Exposure and Education Increases Likelines of orthopaedic Surgeons Supporting Advocacy and Policy Efforts

Hill - AAOS Now - Early Exposure and Education Increases Likelines of orthopaedic Surgeons Supporting Advocacy and Policy Efforts

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The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and its Office of Government Relations (OGR) advocate for orthopaedic surgeons on Capitol Hill. However, increased advocacy efforts are needed to address the policies directly impacting orthopaedic surgeons and their patients. Early exposure and education on advocacy and policy are important to foster orthopaedic surgeons' investment in advocacy. Unfortunately, most medical schools and residency programs lack formal curriculum on advocacy and policy education. A study revealed that while half of residents felt it was their responsibility to participate in the legislative process, only 13 percent had taken an advocacy role in the past. Currently, no widely implemented medical school or residency program incorporates advocacy education. However, the AAOS Resident Assembly has a Health Policy Committee that educates residents on advocacy and policy. <br /><br />Engaging medical students in advocacy efforts is crucial. The AAOS organized a Medical Student Advocacy Day for the Howard University College of Medicine's Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Society. The students met with congressional leaders to discuss important issues, such as e-prescribing of opioids and funding for musculoskeletal research and graduate medical education. <br /><br />Orthopaedic surgeons can be involved in advocacy by donating to their state or national orthopaedic PAC, lobbying legislators, volunteering for political campaigns, or running for office. The goal is for orthopaedic surgeons to be proactive in crafting policy and advising lawmakers, rather than reacting after policies are in place. With their influence on healthcare and the economy, orthopaedic surgeons have a responsibility to engage in advocacy. By incorporating advocacy education into medical school and residency programs, future orthopaedic surgeons can be prepared to make a positive impact through advocacy and policy engagement.

Keywords

American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons

advocacy

policies

orthopaedic surgeons

medical schools

residency programs

advocacy education

Medical Student Advocacy Day

congressional leaders

e-prescribing of opioids