Advocacy Day on the Hill is our chance to lift our voices as future physicians to the Senate and Congress. Our purpose is to educate and advocate for the kind of healthcare system we want to work in and the healthcare we want for our patients, families, & communities.
Schedule – TBD
Join Future Physicians for Change for exclusive training sessions led by key experts, tailored background information, and direct connections to our Action Committees and teams. Dive into comprehensive advocacy skills training sessions and more, all designed to equip you as a future physician leader!
What can I expect during Advocacy Day?
You will receive in-person training with key experts, resource materials, and background info. Then, you will be connected with our Action Committees and teams, who will help you lift your voice for your meetings with your U.S. Senators. You will also be matched with AMSA members from your state and district to plan for your meetings and travel to the capitol together via ride share.
The in-person meetings will be scheduled with Senators, and you will be paired with other AMSA members from your voting districts. It is mandatory to wear formal business attire (with a white coat if you are a medical student or doctor). Meetings are generally held with Legislative Aides who work on your selected issue and average about 15 minutes. You will be scheduled for at least one meeting during the day.
During the day when you are not in your legislative meetings, there will be alternative activities for you to participate in near the capitol. This will include some very fun and exciting activities. We will return to the conference center for a conclusion dinner at the end of the day.
How do I sign up for Advocacy Day?
You will sign up to participate as a part of your conference registration. When you sign up, you will select the issue area you are interested in from among the AMSA Advocacy Priorities. Specific legislation we will address will be determined based on where bills are currently in the legislative process.
Deadline: TBD
Why does this matter?
Whether this is your first legislative visit or you’re fluent in activism, our Advocacy Day is for you. Lifting your voice to our legislative leaders isn’t just an essential practice in democracy – it’s a chance for you to advocate for the issues you care about and ensure they hear from future physicians actively working to improve the lives of ourselves, our future patients, and our communities.
During our Advocacy Day, you will build key skills that will serve you throughout your career. We will prepare you for your meetings with members of the Senate so that you can feel comfortable in your advocacy skills.
As future physicians, advocating for our patients and communities is a responsibility we should exercise throughout our careers. The power and privilege that comes from donning our white coats give us a unique opportunity to influence policymakers. Since health policy is so broad, our work doesn’t stop here – having relationships with the offices of our elected officials throughout our training and our careers will help to advance the issues we care about.