Before finishing their education, physicians complete a residency in a medical specialty—the cost of which is borne largely by the federal government. Although Congress recognizes the need for more doctors to choose careers in family medicine, many believe the deck is stacked against doctors pursuing primary care. And certain regions of the country, including Mountain and Western states, have fewer government-funded residency programs than coastal locations.
That’s why the Colorado Commission on Family Medicine asked us to help increase awareness on Capitol Hill. We helped prepare materials that elected officials and congressional staff would find compelling. We also planned all aspects of a briefing held in the US Capitol.
We booked 22 different meetings with influential House, Senate and committee staff members, all held in one day. The briefing event was filled to over-flowing, with more than 125 attendees, including legislative staff, media and other med-ed stakeholders.
