That's because legislators know physicians can help explain complicated health issues that lawmakers may not understand, said Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary. When those issues come up, we can be sympathetic to the issues. This communication can have tremendous impact on a legislator's decision on a bill. If they hear from a provider in their district, it brings it even closer to home. Sen. Beverly Gard, R-Greenfield, agreed that legislators pay close attention to the physician point of view.
Physicians are the ones who meet with patients day after day.
That's why it's imperative for physicians to become politically active. The title of 'doctor' automatically gets attention. Rep. Brown knows physicians are busy people. However, he said if they take just one hour a week to get involved, they could make a huge difference. He suggested carving out this time to contact elected officials or acquaint themselves with their medical association by reading its publications and information on legislation.