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Governor Reflections: Physician Advocacy
Physician advocacy plays a critical role in shaping the policies that ultimately affect both patient care and the practice of medicine. Earlier this month on March 3, members of the Missouri Chapter of the American College of Cardiology joined colleagues from the Missouri State Medical Association and the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons in Jefferson City for Physician Advocacy Day. During the visit, physicians met with state legislators Jonathan Patterson, Vivek Malek, and George Hruza to discuss legislation aimed at reforming prior authorization and addressing physician non-compete agreements.
In the following interview, Missouri ACC Governor Toniya Singh reflects on the importance of physician engagement in the policy process and why advocacy remains essential to protecting both physicians and the patients they serve.
What are the most important policy issues you discussed with legislators?
Two issues were front and center. First, prior authorization reform — streamlining this process reduces unnecessary delays in patient care and relieves a significant administrative burden on physician practices. Second, noncompete reform — physicians should be free to remain in their communities and continue caring for their patients without being forced to relocate simply because of restrictive contract clauses.
What did you personally take away from the experience?
Our legislators genuinely want to hear from us. They are interested in our perspective and value our expertise. Physicians have real influence in the policy process — more than many of us realize.
How can the broader physician community stay engaged in shaping healthcare policy?
Reach out to your legislators directly. They need and want to understand the real-world impact of policy on patients and practices, and there is no better voice for that than a physician. Showing up — whether in Jefferson City or through letters, calls, and local meetings — makes a difference.
Why should physicians care about advocacy?
Because policy is medicine at scale. A single clinical encounter impacts one patient. A policy change impacts thousands. Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve care for large populations of patients, and it deserves the same commitment we bring to the exam room.
