Get Involved
911 Network
Residents need to be involved in shaping health policy. Our perspectives are vital for improving healthcare. But traditionally, residents have been inactive in policy development. Rarely have we been asked to provide input or to sit at the negotiating table. It is time for that to change. The goal of ACEP's 911 Legislative Network, established in 1998, is to develop legislative contact teams of emergency physicians for each of the nation’s 435 congressional districts and for each of the 100 U.S. Senators.
Join the 911 Network
Spend a Month in Washington DC
It is thrilling and overwhelming at times to be in Washington, DC. I recall vividly being awestruck last year as I crossed the grassy mall to meet with my Senators. I had important information to share with my representatives on the current state of emergency medicine in Massachusetts, but I couldn't help wonder if they wanted to hear from me...
Why you should go (for free!)
As an emergency medicine resident, you have the perspective and many of the skills that are essential to becoming an advocate for your patients and your specialty. You are uniquely positioned to advocate for your patients: you are the hub of the wheel of healthcare, you are the safety net, you have the most compelling stories to tell...
Join the Health Policy Committee
A new Committee was formed in 2008 and held its first meeting at SAEM's Annual Meeting in May 2008. The committee has an active agenda and desire to increase resident involvement in health policy and advocacy. Make your voice a part of this vibrant committee and join today! We look forward to seeing you at Scientific Assembly in October! Click here to download the committee application.
Lectures
Advocacy Lecture Series with Power Point presentations
Introduction to Health Policy (Power Point presentation)
Healthcare Economics (Power Point presentation)
Emergency Medicine 2009: Current Issues & Crises (Power Point presentation)
Advocacy Webinar Archive
Articles
A Look at the Challenges Ahead
I'd like to highlight some current critical issues in health policy and mention some ways EMRA and ACEP are working to train and rally the troops for the political battles ahead.
American Healthcare: Yesterday and Today
Physicians today are highly respected, well compensated and have significant authority over the regulation of the practice of medicine. Historically, this was not the case.
See you in Washington, DC
It is thrilling and overwhelming at times to be in Washington, DC. I recall vividly being awestruck last year as I crossed the grassy mall to meet with my Senators. I had important information to share with my representatives on the current state of emergency medicine in Massachusetts, but I couldn't help wonder if they wanted to hear from me...
Where do we spend our healthcare dollars?
Everyone knows the US spends an enormous amount on healthcare, but how much is it, and where does it go? Understanding the basics of healthcare economics is vital to being a better patient and resident advocate.
A Call for Resident Health Policy Advocataes
The American healthcare system is expansive and growing, and is governed by complex policies. Laws and regulations by state, federal and medical organizations directly impact our patients and our educational environment every day.
Hope in Peril
When you come to New Orleans, everyone becomes a wide-eyed tourist. You can’t help but be pulled into the city by the sublime sound echoing from the Maison Bourbon Jazz Club. That’s why I think it took me some time to notice that I was literally surrounded by some of the most remarkable, capable individuals in the country. A sea of suits and conference badges glinting in the night had descended on New Orleans for ACEP’s Annual Scientific Assembly, and on one October night, we seemed to overrun the city.
Make Your Voice Heard...
Friends, the time has come to draw a line in the sand. On June 14, 2006, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released three reports describing the dire challenges facing the U.S. emergency health care system. The reports portray a disjointed emergency care system that lacks national oversight or funding, has little nationwide planning for surge capacity, and bears an ever-growing national healthcare burden. The crux – we do not have a looming emergency care crisis, the crisis is already here.
Health Policy Introduction
Background and History
An overview of where the US spends health care dollars, basic economics of health care, Medicaid, Medicare (their similarities and differences), and US health care history. This information is crucial knowledge that every emergency medicine physician needs.
Medicaid
While both Medicaid and Medicare are federal health care programs, the similarities stop there.
Medicare
As an extension of Social Security, the scope of Medicare is impressive. It is the most influential player in American health care.
EM Resident Articles
Advocacy: A Core Competency
Published in EM Resident August/September 2008 issue
Advocate for Unity
Published in EM Resident October/November 2008 issue
Finding the Window in Financially Limited Times
Published in EM Resident December 2008/January 2009 issue
Salaries May Soon be Determined by Performance Only
Published in EM Resident February/March 2009 issue
Crisis Hovers Over Our House
Published in EM Resident April/May 2009 issue
Residents Made Their Voices Heard
Published in EM Resident June/July 2009 issue
It's Open Season on Doctors
Published in EM Resident August/September 2009 issue
DIY Healthcare Reform
Published in EM Resident October/November 2009 issue
Its All in the Approach
Published in EM Resident December 2009/January 2010 issue
Get Passionate and Get Involved
Published in EM Resident February/March 2010 issue
About Face
Published in EM Resident April/May 2010 issue
Find the Leader in You
Published in EM Resident June/July 2010 issue