Change is a constant in life, and advocacy is no exception. The healthcare landscape is always evolving, and the SVS Advocacy Council is working to maintain a voice in the decision-making process. The council is committed to driving change that will improve the lives of vascular surgeons and their patients. By working to influence government policy, the Advocacy Council can make a real difference in the practice of vascular surgery and the care patients receive.
To create meaningful change, the SVS has identified several pieces of legislation that the Advocacy Council believes will result in impactful changes in federal policy that will drive positive outcomes for vascular surgeons and patients. Members identified several bills to help:
- R. 3674, the “Providing Relief and Stability for Medicare Patients Act of 2023”
- R. 2474, the “Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act”
- R. 1202/S. 704, the “Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act”
- R. 2389/S. 1302, the “Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023”
- R. 731/S. 220, the “Workforce Mobility Act of 2023”
- R. 4261, the “Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act”
There are many ways members can get involved in driving this change, such as getting acquainted with grassroots advocacy. There are few advocacy tools more powerful than direct engagement between a constituent and a member of Congress. Engaging with your federal lawmakers helps to amplify SVS’ legislative priorities on Capitol Hill because elected officials want to hear from their constituents about the issues that are important to them. Your representative and senators are not experts in vascular care and need to hear from you about policies that impact your practice and patients. The SVS offers several opportunities for members to get involved in grassroots advocacy. For instance, sign up as a REACH 535 key contact, where you become the bridge between SVS legislative priorities and your elected officials. You can also participate in Voter Voice activities. Meanwhile, members can also support the SVS Political Action Committee (PAC).
Mounir Haurani, MD, is vice chair of the SVS Government Relations Committee.
