PAMED Members Bring Their Voices to Advocacy Day

Physicians, residents, fellows and medical students from across Pennsylvania gathered at PAMED's Advocacy Day on September 29 to meet with legislators and discuss the issues shaping patient care and the practice of medicine. Together, they brought the voice of Pennsylvania physicians and future physicians to the Capitol.

Before the legislative meetings of the day began, attendees heard from Rep. Arvind Venkat, MD, who represents the 30^th Legislative District and is the only physician in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Dr. Venkat offered encouragement and a reminder to carry the day’s momentum forward: “Don’t let this meeting be your last meeting with your legislators.”

Attendees participated in 48 legislative meetings, bringing perspectives from communities across the Commonwealth. Participants represented dozens of House and Senate districts, nearly 50 ZIP codes, and 14 county medical societies.

More than one-third of participants were residents, fellows or medical students, demonstrating strong engagement from the next generation of physician advocates and reinforcing the strength of organized medicine's voice in Harrisburg.

It was a meaningful day of connection, collaboration, and advocacy, as well as an opportunity to build relationships that extend beyond a single event. PAMED thanks our members for sharing their experiences and lending their voices to help make Advocacy Day a success.

PAMED Vice Chair, Ashley E. Wilkerson, MD said, “When we meet with Legislators, it's important that the voices of our students and residents are heard, as they are the future of medicine."