If there’s one thing America needs right now, it’s more money in politics. I’m being facetious, but I do want to ask all of you to invest in RheumPAC today. Given the relatively small size of our subspecialty, it is easy for lawmakers to overlook the consequences that laws may have on our field of practice. Most politicians don’t even know what a rheumatologist is, much less what we need to be able to provide quality care and treatment to our patients. The best way to counteract this is by investing in RheumPAC. The advocacy and education RheumPAC provides are instrumental in preventing the negative consequences of ill-informed regulations and laws coming to pass in the future.
Where You Come In
RheumPAC is the ACR’s nonpartisan political action committee that works to advocate for the field of rheumatology. RheumPAC has already helped ensure lawmakers understand the need for adequate funding for arthritis research and the need to prevent Medicare reimbursement cuts, among other accomplishments. Although it’s only been around a few years, rheumatology’s PAC has fostered key relationships with legislators who make the decisions that impact our daily practice of medicine.But much work still needs to be done, especially because this is an election year. That’s where you come in.
RheumPAC is funded entirely by voluntary donations from ACR and ARHP members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; however, only about 1% of all rheumatology healthcare professionals invest each year.
This past year, I gave $20 to RheumPAC, but the act of giving is more important than the amount, because it’s an investment in the future of our profession. I invested in RheumPAC because—whether I like it or not—the laws that are passed on national and local levels affect my patients and me. I’d prefer lawmakers have a full understanding of how their actions affect rheumatology, and giving to RheumPAC is the best way to ensure this occurs.
Establish a Routine & Take Action
Getting into the routine of investing now will make it much easier to continue to give in the future. Having stable, yearly donors allows for RheumPAC to more accurately predict income and outlays and develop strategies that will generate the most value for our money. The more people who invest, the louder voice we have.
Now we arrive at the important part: taking action. Visit the RheumPAC page on the ACR’s website. Not only will you get some amazing RheumPAC benefits, you’ll also help ensure our voice is heard.
Dr. Ryan Jessee earned his medical doctorate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he graduated with honors. He then went to Duke University to complete his Internal Medicine residency and stayed at Duke to complete his fellowship in Rheumatology. In his free time, Dr. Jessee enjoys cooking, exercising and reading.
