1. AAFP Family Medicine Advocacy Summit: My Experiences
James Suchy, MD

2. Advocacy What is advocacy? Advocates are teacher and persuaders
How we may feel about advocacy?
Goals

3. Preparation
Contacted legislatures office and spoke with scheduler to set up meeting
Meeting with staffers vs. legislators
Research and preparation for meeting

4. My ‘Team’ Grouped by states Diverse group of family physicians
Different legislators

5. My ‘Team’ Benefits of large groups: Moral support and learning
Multiple stories and experiences
More impact

6. Topics at Conference The asks Topics to lobby for… Healthcare coverage
Funding for teaching health center graduate medical education
House primary care caucus

7. My Meeting Getting into the building
Meeting Lou Correa (house rep for Orange and Santa Ana)
Leading the discussion

8. How to Talk with Legislator
Know the topic well
Make the experience personal
Personal anecdotes
Pros and cons of supporting or not supporting your request

9. How to Talk with Legislator
Why importance of talking with your legislator
Healthcare committees
What can your legislator do if on the committee
What can your legislator do if not on the committee

10. Where to Advocate Literally anywhere:
Home
Residency/medical program
Legislators local office
State capital
National capital
Find any legislator:

11. Interested in More?
Consider attending the AAFP Family Medicine Advocacy Summit
Multiple scholarships for state and national advocacy: AMFRD, AAFP, etc.
Let me know if you need advice about applying or have further questions

12. Thanks to AFMRD