Teaching Advocacy in Family Medicine: Resolution Writing as a Model Ying Zhang, MD - Linda Prine, MD Sarah McNeil, MD - Grace Shih, MD MAS Richard Waters, MD - Lealah Pollock, MD MS

Disclosures Dr. Linda Prine is a non-funded Nexplanon Trainer.

Objectives Recognize the importance of physician advocacy and identify examples of advocacy. Understand how to teach & involve students and residents in advocacy. Use resolution writing as a model for teaching advocacy. Describe effective ways to defend your resolution or communicate your message.

Why and how we engage in advocacy

Why Physician-Advocacy? Be the voice for your patients Create policy change Participate in organizational leadership Shape the training of new physicians

Examples of Successes Resolutions Passed at AAFP Congress of Delegates: Endorse Access to Oral Contraceptive Pills Over-the-Counter Endorse the US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Initiation Removing Barriers to Contraceptive Access for Low-Income Women Resolution to End Age Restrictions for Emergency Contraception (EC) Access Routine Residency Training in Abortion and Contraception Include Coverage for Vasectomy in ACA Contraceptive Mandate Promote Effective Emergency Contraceptives Regardless of Weight

5 Steps to Writing Resolution Identify your “ask”/action item Search the AAFP policy finderAAFP policy finder Review the status-quo Compile the evidence Articulate your argument Create talking points ** Adapted from material by Finn Schubert (RHEDI)

Sample Resolution Title: Support for Medicaid Submitted by: King County Chapter WHEREAS Medicaid is a critical lifeline to health services for low income residents in Washington State, and WHEREAS people who lose access to Medicaid eligibility experience worse health outcomes and consume more expensive hospital and emergency room services, and WHEREAS the Federal government has passed legislation allowing states to place unprecedented restrictions on the Medicaid program, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the WAFP oppose any policy that would reduce benefits or enrollment in Washington State’s Medicaid program, and be it further RESOLVED, that the WAFP support efforts that will make the Medicaid system more cost effective. WAFP House of Delegates Sample Resolutions:

Your Turn: Brainstorming Topics If there could be a law/policy…. Consider: –Themes of your group –New evidence-based medicine or recommendations –Events in the news –Previous resolutions that did not pass

Group Resolution Topics

Create your resolution Identify your “ask” –Start with “RESOLVED” clauses Review the status-quo –Does AAFP have a position? Incorporate the evidence –Brief “WHEREAS” clauses Articulate your argument –Draw key points from “WHEREAS” clauses Focus your talking points

Tips for Defending Your Resolution Gain buy-in from colleagues and key stake-holders Prepare an elevator speech Anticipate rebuttals and prepare defending arguments

“Maybe stories are just data with a soul” - Brene Brown

Your Turn!

Recap Recognize the importance of physician advocacy and identify examples of advocacy Understand how to teach & involve students and residents in advocacy Use resolution writing as a model for teaching advocacy Describe effective ways to defend your resolution or communicate your message.

Resources for Physician Advocacy Your local AAFP chapter! AAFP Member Interest Group National Physicians Alliance Primary Care Progress Special Interest Organizations American Medical Student Association American Medical Association

Questions? Comments?

How to Contact Us Ying Zhang: Linda Prine: Sarah McNeil: Grace Shih: Lealah Pollock: Richard Waters:

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