The Resident Advocate Development program (RAD) aims to mobilize our inner advocates. We recognize that although physicians have historically been authority figures within health care, legislatures are increasingly passing legislation that interferes with the patient-physician relationship and other aspects of health care traditionally governed by physician judgment, ethics and morality. The physician voice is too often missing. This program helps residents gain the skills and experiences needed to grow into vocal and effective physician-advocates for their current and future patients.
Residents in this program participate in a one-year comprehensive educational program including didactic learning and advocacy opportunities. Applications are accepted in the winter of the PGY 1, 2 and 3 years.
Topics to be addressed include –
- The structure of the state and federal legislative bodies and the policymaking pathway
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The impact of healthcare legislation on clinical practice
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The social, cultural and policy disparities in access and quality of women’s healthcare
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The core values of advocacy - altruism, social justice, autonomy, integrity, idealism
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How to identify opportunities for physician advocacy in obstetrics and gynecology at the legislative, institutional, community, and patient levels
The resident will complete a piece of written advocacy and attend at least one legislative lobbying event during the program.