Advocacy 101: Getting Involved at the Local, State, and National Level as PM&R Physicians Back to Course detail New Course Title (Member Resource)-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Advocacy 101 session, moderated by Dr. Prakash Jayabalan of the AAPM&R, focused on engaging PM&R physicians in advocacy at various levels. Dr. Jayabalan emphasized finding one’s personal “why” for advocacy, sharing his journey as an immigrant PM&R physician passionate about disability care and health equity. He highlighted the power of personal stories and active involvement in legislative processes, citing the Promoting Physical Activity in Americans Act as an example.<br /><br />Dr. Teresa Oni shared her transition from baseline civic participation to elected city council member, discussing the importance of communication, relationship-building, emotional connection, and compromise in advocacy. She emphasized starting locally and leveraging social media to promote accurate health information.<br /><br />Dr. Shah highlighted involvement in a long-term CMS advocacy effort that resulted in power seat elevation becoming an approved Medicare benefit after over five years of persistent engagement with multiple stakeholders and bipartisan congressional support. She presented practical lessons in staying nonpartisan, clear communication, patience, and coalition-building.<br /><br />Chris Stewart, AAPM&R’s Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs, underscored physicians’ credibility and trusted voice in policy. He encouraged grassroots advocacy, participation in voter voice campaigns, and direct engagement with elected officials. He outlined effective advocacy strategies including introducing PM&R clearly, connecting issues locally, using personal patient stories, and making concrete asks. He assured support for members through scheduling and training for meetings.<br /><br />Panelists discussed balancing advocacy with clinical and family responsibilities, emphasizing virtual options and manageable engagement levels. They advised early involvement through local organizations like the AMA or residency groups to build advocacy skills. When facing setbacks or “no” responses, persistence and ongoing dialogue were recommended.<br /><br />Overall, the session promoted advocacy as vital for improving patient care, shaping PM&R’s future, and empowering physicians to have a meaningful impact on healthcare policy.

Keywords

Advocacy 101

Dr. Prakash Jayabalan

PM&R physicians

disability care

health equity

legislative processes

Promoting Physical Activity in Americans Act

Dr. Teresa Oni

CMS advocacy effort

power seat elevation Medicare benefit

grassroots advocacy