Don’t miss the Physician & Dentist Candidate Workshop

With many health policy challenges on the horizon, it is more important than ever that individuals who understand and care about the future of medicine are elected to public office. Fortunately, physician involvement in politics has grown considerably in recent years. The current (113th) Congress has 20 physician members, including two orthopaedic surgeons—Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-Ga.), and Sen. John A. Barrasso, MD (R-Wyo.).

The Orthopaedic Political Action Committee strives to educate and help elect orthopaedic surgeons and other specialty physicians to political office at all levels. The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is cohosting the 5th Annual Specialty Physician and Dentist Candidate Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 2, in Washington, D.C. Other sponsors of the event include the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American College of Radiology, and the American Dental Association.

Workshop participants will learn how to develop a campaign plan, as well as messaging and fundraising strategies, the importance of polling, and the pros and cons of various communication outlets. Political experts, including nationally renowned political consultants, will be among the faculty for the workshop.

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. 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.

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