Docs on a Saturday
Mary Rensel 
Doctors do so many different things on a Saturday; work, play or relax. This particular Saturday I had the opportunity to be with Advocacy committee!
Doctors on a Saturday…
Doctors do so many different things on a Saturday; work, play or relax. This particular Saturday I had the opportunity to be with my Neurology colleagues and the staff of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) for the national Advocacy Committee meeting. The merriam webster dictionary defines advocacy as: “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal “. This committee is comprised of Neurologist, of all different kinds and in different practice settings as well as the staff of the American Academy of Neurology supporting those living with, caring for and treat those with neurologic conditions. Conditions like; MS, headaches, strokes, NMOSD, neuropathy, autism, seizures, Parkinson's disease and so many other conditions. Did you know that medical societies have to have lobbyist in DC to stay informed of government activity in regards to the neurologic care of our patients? We have an organization called Brain PAC to help educate federal legislators about issues that affect our patients lives like drug cost, insurance company drug approval, access to care. Read more about them here:https://www.aan.com/advocacy/brainpac/. Brain PAC is active at the federal level, one still needs to know what is going on at the state level that affects our patients’ medical care too. It can take a team! This is why I am so glad to learn from the AAN’s team and have their support in learning more about what is going on in our own state that may change or influence the care of our patients.
This weekend was interesting in that we are preparing to go to DC soon and the Neurologist from various states will meet with their legislative team to share patient stories and our personal experience of supporting our patients accessing care. The beautiful fact is that stories matter, real life experiences still help bring the person into the story to help the legislature understand the experience of the patients and the providers. Send your stories to your legislatures, they remember stories, they understand the human challenges and it makes it “real”. Data is helpful yet stories really help us humans remember we are all in this together. Advocacy is support and we are all here to support each other. This Valentine’s day week, write to your legislator, share a story of healthcare from your family or your work, let them know how it is out there, this will help support those without a voice. We are all in this together. Happy Valentine’s Week to you!
Here is a link to help find your Federal, state and local legislators:
https://www.usa.gov/elected-of...
Dr. Mary Rensel
Please stay in touch with your advocacy questions.
thebrainfresh@gmail.com