FamMedPAC Turns Heads in D.C.

The Academy's federal political action committee, FamMedPAC, has launched "Club George," a program that recognizes members who contribute $365 a year, or a dollar a day, to support family medicine's advocacy efforts. The advent of the Club George program marks another milestone for the PAC, which already has generated considerable interest among lawmakers and lobbyists alike, according to Mark Cribben, J.D., FamMedPAC director.

"We call it Club George after George Washington because he's on the dollar bill," said Cribben. "We're asking members to donate a dollar -- a 'George' -- a day."

Club George augments current donor recognition levels, which include "Washington Distinction" for donors of $2,500 to $5,000; "Jefferson Distinction" for donors of $1,000 to $2,499; "Lincoln Distinction" for donors of $500 to $999; "Capitol Distinction" for donors of $100 to $499; "Donor" for contributors of $50 to $99 and "Medical Student," which recognizes $25 contributions.

With more than $180,000 in its coffers, FamMedPAC is turning heads in Washington. Other political action committees and federal legislators are impressed by the rate at which funds have flowed to family medicine's support, according to Cribben.

FamMedPAC's early growth demonstrates "that our members are politically aware and involved," he said. "It says they understand the importance of that political involvement, and they're willing to do what it takes to support their specialty."

FamMedPAC's goal is to reach $1 million in donations. To date, members in Tennessee lead the donation race, with 26 contributors having given a total of $19,366. Twenty-nine California members have donated a total of $17,615; Ohio FPs have donated $17,320, and Kansas members have sent $10,050 to FamMedPAC.

As contributions to FamMedPAC grow, members of Congress will be hearing from family physicians more frequently. By the first week of March, members of the AAFP Board of Directors, Academy key contacts and AAFP staff members already had attended a number of briefings and meetings with representatives and senators to discuss health care policy. More such events are scheduled in the coming weeks.

AAFP President Larry Fields, M.D., of Ashland, Ky., attended a Feb. 28 event in Washington for Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D., R-Ga., who is a strong supporter of medical liability reform and resolving Medicare physician payment issues.

In addition, AAFP Division of Government Relations staff members attended a March 1 event for Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo. Hulshof is a member of the Health Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee and is working with the Academy on Title VII, graduate medical education, medical liability reform and Medicare payment issues. Members of the Academy's Washington staff also attended a recent event for Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Ga., chair of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

As part of their March meeting in Washington, AAFP Board members will meet with several key federal legislators this week. Fields; President-Elect Rick Kellerman, M.D., of Wichita, Kan.; and Board Chair Mary Frank, M.D., of Mill Valley, Calif., will visit the offices of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., R-Tenn.; Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio; and Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala. In addition, Kellerman will participate in a congressional staff briefing on physician quality improvement efforts, and Frank will attend a dinner for Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-Conn.