Virtual Hill Day Drives 100+ Congressional Conversations on Step Therapy, Workforce Shortages

Meaningful Conversations
“There was a real sense that the asks this year were feasible. Workforce shortage problems are pretty easy to explain and relate to, and the PSLRP is already authorized, it just needs to be funded. And step therapy reform is popular with state legislatures and already has bipartisan support in both chambers at the federal level,” says Doug White, MD, PhD, Gundersen Health System, Onalaska, Wis. “I had the sense we were there at the right time to help get these two measures over the finish line.”

The virtual format works well for these meetings, Dr. White says. “We’re all aware that Zoom is a disaster for some meetings and fine for others. But I think it may actually work better than running all over the capital for advocacy days. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual meetings, the possibility of virtual meetings in the future will certainly open the door to many more participants.”

Grant Syverson, MD, a pediatric rheumatologist at Sanford Children’s in Fargo, N.D., found ACR training helpful for the virtual fly-in. “The Advocacy Leadership Conference reinforced the importance of being engaged in public policy. Learning about advocacy and being able to actually implement that information in real time with our elected representatives and their staff is amazing, and I felt like I was able to have my voice heard in a way that was effective and meaningful. I know that the policies we advocated for will change the lives of many patients and their families for the better,” Dr. Syverson says.

Altogether, 72 volunteer leaders made 119 connections on both sides of the political aisle, highlighting the importance of bipartisan support for policies that support rheumatology patients and providers.

We thank our #Act4Arthritis attendees for a great Advocacy Leadership Conference! We educated legislators on how the #SafeStepAct and #pedloanrelief can provide quality access to care. Help us share our message with more offices by sending letters today: https://t.co/EZrlgzpWzD pic.twitter.com/ddEOqSGA7S

— ACRheumDC (@ACRheumDC) May 21, 2021

“We had a successful day advocating for our rheumatology patients and for issues affecting rheumatologists and the workforce,” says Amanda Schnell, MD, assistant professor of medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham. “I believe it is important for rheumatologists to advocate and form connections with our senators and representatives so we can help make positive changes to improve access to quality care for our patients. I am grateful and honored to be able to advocate for my patients—it is inspiring to know that we can make a positive difference. I would encourage any rheumatologist or trainee interested to participate.”