Why advocacy as a resident is critical

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to join David Hill, MD, as one of two new resident ambassadors to PlastyPAC and serve on the Board of Governors. While filling the shoes of J.T. Stranix, MD, our resident ambassador predecessor, seemed like a tall order, we were motivated and encouraged to grow resident awareness and participation in PlastyPAC during our term. The last 18 months have proven to be some of the most critical times in advocacy – especially for our specialty – as more than half our colleagues practice in a small-business fashion.

Members of PlastyPAC wasted no time or opportunity to meet and speak (albeit mostly virtually) regularly with members on Capitol Hill to be the voice of our specialty, and to fight for improvements and safeguards that would ensure our ability to offer the much-needed care to not only our patients, but also to our staff and community members. Virtual meetings became all too common throughout the world, and PlastyPAC representatives took hold of this opportunity and scheduled more-frequent – and seemingly more intimate – meetings with members of Congress than in years past. We were able to secure dedicated one-on-one time with the members, instead of just their aides, to voice our experiences and trials during the COVID pandemic. Our stories delivered a personal note that helped underscore the importance of our advocacy goals.

One goal of significant importance that we were able to achieve was the expansion of Paycheck Protection Program loans that provided direct financial support to many private plastic surgery practices during the pandemic. This unique opportunity to "meet" with members of Congress was a truly unforgettable experience.

I've just begun my career as the only employed plastic and reconstructive surgeon at a community health system in Baltimore. The insight I've gained through my time serving as a resident ambassador has already become integral in my ability to navigate the unique health insurance system in my home state and the complexities of a corporate health system. I'm excited to contribute to our specialty in the years to come through continued advocacy engagements via PlastyPAC and the Legislative Advocacy Committee. Our work has just begun, and we have much left to achieve. Join the movement!

Dr. Schultz recently began practice at LifeBridge Health, Baltimore.