Congressional Advocacy Day was held April 22 to 23, 2009 in Washington, D.C.,  in conjunction with the 2009 Mid-Year Forum.

This year, Academy doctors conducted more than 400 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff.  The day was a remarkable success, allowing doctors to initiate or build on relationships with their elected officials.  These relationships will be crucial to the health care reform efforts that Congress will embark upon this year.

In addition, as a result of the efforts of Academy members from across the country, we achieved a tangible success. One example of this is the letter from Reps. Shelley Berkley and Mark Kirk, strongly advocating for Medicare payment reform. Eight days after our meetings, the letter was delivered to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Cali., and Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, with the support of 90 legislators – 30 more than had signed on previously.

Over 300 doctors participated in Congressional Advocacy Day 2009 to make sure our collective voice is heard in Washington.  We hope you will add your voice to the conversation by participating next year!

View the 2009 Final Program.