APMA News - June 2013 - (Page 18)

APMA State Advocacy Forum S tate advocacy liaisons from 31 states, APMA board members, and APMA State Advocacy Committee members gathered in Detroit April 26–27 for the State Advocacy Forum. The forum’s theme was “Vision for Success,” and participants learned how crucial building relationships and grassroots advocacy are to successful state advocacy and advancing the profession. The forum was made possible in part through grants from Pfizer Inc and Shire. On Friday evening, Matthew Garoufalis, DPM, APMA president, and Scott Hughes, DPM, Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) president, welcomed participants to the fo- On Saturday, Karen Wrubel, DPM, State Advocacy Committee chair, asked participants to keep an open mind about state legislative issues and advocacy tactics. She encouraged participants to remain committed to state advocacy efforts even when podiatric issues are a tough sell in their states. Michigan State Rep. Pete Lund (R), chair of the Michigan House of Representatives Insurance Committee, delivered the keynote address, which concentrated on the importance of building and maintaining relationships with state legislators. He recommended that podiatrists communicate with legislators and their staffers early in their careers, invite State Advocacy liaisons discuss important state legislative issues affecting their state component societies. Representatives from the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association and Michigan Osteopathic Association share advice on building relationships. rum and to Detroit. Dr. Garoufalis explained that the committee chose to have the forum in Detroit to acknowledge MPMA’s exemplary state advocacy efforts. Dr. Hughes said that his state component society was proud to be recognized by APMA. Dr. Hughes introduced Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R) and Michigan House Minority Floor Leader Rep. Rudy Hobbs (D), both of whom addressed participants. Rep. Hobbs encouraged participants to get to know their legislators and be passionate about change: “If you care about an issue, it is your job and your responsibility to be engaged.” He said that podiatrists should educate their legislators on the importance of their issues. Jeffrey Frederick, DPM, MPMA’s Legislative Committee chair, shared why he believes MPMA’s state advocacy efforts have been effective (see sidebar on facing page). He underscored the importance of legislative advocacy: “[Legislation is the] only way to protect ourselves and the public we serve as doctors.” He reminded participants that they should use the Duke and Thomson Reuters studies to educate legislators on the value of care by podiatrists. Members can find these studies, talking points, and briefs at www.apma.org/podiatristvalue. them to visit podiatrists’ offices, and attend fundraisers. Rep. Lund emphasized that legislators may not vote in favor of podiatrists on every issue, but one vote can make the difference on a key issue. He noted that health care is going to look different in the next five, 10, and 15 years, which is why it is important to build relationships and demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of care by podiatrists. Rep. Lund advised participants to not be hesitant about communicating with their legislators and their staffers, because it is their job to meet with constituents and hear and address constituent concerns. A panel discussion focused on the benefits of enState Advocacy Committee Chair gaging with allopathic and Karen Wrubel, DPM, addresses the osteopathic medical societ- State Advocacy Forum participants. 18 APMA News June 2013 http://www.apma.org/podiatristvalue

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - June 2013

APMA News - June 2013
President’s Message
Table of Contents
The Boston Marathon Bombings: Podiatrists on the Front Line
Committee Nominations Requested
What’s the Deal with Biomechanics? How One APMA Member Helped Jerry Seinfeld End Years of Pain
The New Wave of HIPAA Changes: The Final Omnibus Rule of 2013
APMA State Advocacy Forum
Resolutions Submission Deadlines
Emotional Intelligence and Residency Education
Practice Survey Data: Practice Owner Type
It’s All Happening at The National!
Annual Scientific Meeting Registration Forms
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
APMAPAC Chair Report
Coverage Corner
IT Consultant
Inside APMA’s Social Media
Bylaws Propositions Due
Website Wisdom
On the Road with APMA
Small Business 101
CPME Update
Young Physicians’ Accomplishments
Worthy of Note
Affiliates Corner
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions
Your APMA

APMA News - June 2013