Becoming a Urogyn Advocate: Advocacy Basics_OnDemand-Becoming a Urogyn Advocate: Advocacy Basics

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The AUGS Advocacy Training Webinar, moderated by Stacey Barnes with speakers Rachel Stouffer and Maddy News from McDermott Plus, introduced participants to advocacy fundamentals for urogynecology. They outlined the current political landscape, highlighting key figures in the Department of Health and Human Services and the makeup of Congress, emphasizing the slim Republican majority and the necessity for bipartisan cooperation. The webinar stressed the importance of advocacy to educate lawmakers on the specific needs of urogynecology, facilitate patient care improvements, and influence policies on physician payment and research funding.<br /><br />Key AUGS advocacy priorities discussed include reforming the Medicare Physician Payment System to address a 30% decline in payments, supporting investment in the women's health research workforce, and increasing funding for women's health research, especially for conditions affecting women across the lifespan. They encouraged members to engage with Congress and federal agencies via member alerts, comment letters, virtual meetings, and fly-ins.<br /><br />The webinar also introduced the new AUGS Urogynecologic Advocacy Network to formalize member involvement. Attendees were encouraged to participate in ongoing efforts, including developing a subspecialty code for urogynecology and influencing policy through collaboration with organizations like the AMA. The session concluded with a Q&A and emphasized continued member engagement for advancing advocacy goals.

Keywords

AUGS Advocacy Training

urogynecology advocacy

Medicare Physician Payment reform

women's health research funding

bipartisan cooperation

AUGS Urogynecologic Advocacy Network

physician payment system

congressional engagement