If you or a colleague is considering a run for office—whether at the local, state, or federal level—the Physician and Dentist Candidate Workshop is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.

For the fifth year, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is joining the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American College of Radiology, and the American Dental Association, in sponsoring a workshop designed specifically for medical personnel who are considering a run for office.

The 5th Annual Specialty Physician and Dentist Candidate Workshop will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, in Washington, D.C. The following important topics will be among those covered during the day-long session:

• how to develop a campaign plan
• messaging and fundraising strategies
• the importance of polling
• the pros and cons of various communication outlets

Political experts, including nationally renowned political consultants, will be among the faculty for the workshop.

Physicians in elected office
With many health policy challenges on the horizon, physician involvement in politics has grown considerably in recent years. The 113th Congress there has 20 physician members, including two orthopaedic surgeons, Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-Ga.), and Sen. John A. Barrasso, MD (R-Wyo.).

Individuals who understand the importance of orthopaedic practice and who care about the future of the specialty are needed in the halls of state capitol buildings and in Congress. Physicians already possess many attributes that are attractive to voters. They are well educated, credible, compassionate, and often small business owners. In addition, they often have a dependable network of patients, colleagues, and others, which is necessary to build a strong grassroots campaign and acquire donations.

It works!
Although being a physician candidate is challenging, participants will receive a realistic outlook on how to run a modern, well-executed campaign for any elected office from school board or city council to the U.S. Congress.

Previous attendees have found the workshop to be a valuable resource. According to AAOS member Knute C. Buehler, MD, “It was a great introduction to the nuts and bolts of a political campaign and provided thoughtful insights to consider for my practice and my personal life.” Dr. Buehler is currently a candidate for state representative in Oregon.

To register or receive more information on the Specialty Physician & Dentist Candidate Workshop, contact Kristin Leighty at leighty@aaos.org or 202-548-4150.