January 2002 • Volume 8 • Number 1
Passion can turn FPs into powerful advocates
BY JODY McAULAY GLOOR
The power of family medicine isn't limited to the art and science of patient care. Family physicians are faced with an ever-increasing need to speak out on behalf of their patients and their specialty in the public arena, where FPs can unleash their power and effect change, said FP Wanda Filer, M.D., of York, Pa.
What's the first step in power brokering? "Become the resource for information about improving health and patient care" for local, state and national leaders as well as the media, she said.
"Decide what needs to be done, and put those actions into words," says Wanda Filer, M.D. "Then put those words into action."Although some family physicians still struggle with their identity, and morale among them may be low, it's time to "rediscover the passion of being an FP and establish our specialty as the premier patient and community health advocate," Filer told nearly 100 chapter leaders at the AAFP State Legislative Conference held here Nov. 16 17.
"We have a tremendous breadth of knowledge," she said. "When I walk into a room and I see a newborn and then walk into the next room and see a patient who's 106 years old, that's critical. That's what we as FPs do. We need to let people know that."
How? Physicians can mobilize the power of family medicine by "tuning in" to current medical issues and re-examining the political process -- especially, said Filer, relearning how a bill becomes a law.
Also build public speaking and media skills to effectively convey health information, she said. "Learn how to make your point in 60 seconds or less. Sound bites and quotes must be brief and succinct."
Recognize your own expertise, and offer it to the community, she suggested. Explain your profession and the depth of your health care knowledge to local, state and federal lawmakers. "We can talk to them from a very humanistic level because of the way we care for our patients. We lose opportunities when doctors don't talk to legislators," Filer said.
Speak to other medical organizations, public health officials and advocacy groups, she said, and create alliances with them as well as with business organizations, educators and philanthropic groups.
"Find people who have key contacts with legislators if you don't," Filer said. "Talk to the media and offer your services as a consultant when medical issues come up. Get on boards and meet their members. Get involved in some way." Position yourself and the Academy in such a way that when medical issues arise, legislators and the media come to you. "Our patients are their customers. Our patients are their constituents, and our patients are their readers and viewers. Don't let them forget that!" she said.
Building these relationships takes time, and most FPs experience "extreme shortages" of time, said Filer, "but we can overcome that by prioritizing what we need to advocate for and defining our role in that effort."
"Be active listeners with your patients and your community," she added. Then testify on issues important to them before task forces, state lawmakers and even Congress.
"But how do you get the nerve to become a witness and testify?" asked one FP at the conference.
"Testifying is a piece of cake," Filer answered. "To prove it, consider this. Remember performing your first rectal exam?" The audience roared with laughter.
Filer practices in York and is founder of the Strategic Health Institute. She previously served as Pennsylvania's first physician general and is a health correspondent for a Lancaster, Pa., TV station. She also is involved with many organizations working for health policy improvement and advocacy development.
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2002 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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