And as a result, they tend to take what they are told with a grain of salt. I speak from experience on this point. I spent many years spending my days listening to people who made their living dissuading and persuading lawmakers. I learned to listen to what they had to say, then do my own research and make my own findings. This was all part of the process.
Lawmakers learn quickly who they can rely on.
For instance, when a physician comes to a lawmaker and talks about the emotional pain they go through when they have to tell a parent that their child has been denied the treatment they need by their insurance company, the words hit home for the lawmaker. The lawyers and professional lobbyists may be more familiar about the legislative system and the laws of the State, but physician lobbyists are the only ones who can really communicate the challenges facing medicine on a daily basis. FMA staff has already had several meetings with the statewide and local Alliances to begin to set up an effective framework for Alliance members to assist in the lobbying effort this session. The members of the medical family will add an important voice to our lobbying efforts. In addition, we are working to update and expand upon our Physician Key Contact program.