TMA and component medical societies will host legislative dinners in key markets, providing physicians with an opportunity to discuss key issues and engage with their elected representatives. TMA advocacy representatives participate in the discussions, outlining priorities for the coming year and recapping recent successes. The meetings help TMA members shape policy by addressing areas of concern to the profession and encouraging dialogue with legislators.
TMA legislative dinners are open to all members. Contact Anjanette Eash at anjanette.eash@tnmed.org if you are interested in joining or participating in future dinners. Additional information on TMA’s legislative priorities is available on the legislative page.
Visit the Legislative PageStatewide Legislative Dinners Encourage Grassroots Advocacy
TMA hosted legislative dinners in key markets in the fall and winter of 2023 providing physicians with an opportunity to discuss key issues and engage with their elected representatives. TMA advocacy representatives participate in the discussions, outlining priorities for the coming year and recapping recent successes. The meetings help TMA members shape policy by addressing areas of concern to the profession and encouraging dialogue with legislators.
Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) has a unique perspective as both TMA member and elected representative. Dr. Terry serves as Chairman of the Health Committee in the Tennessee General Assembly and a Murfreesboro anesthesiologist. “The saying is that the government works for those that show up,” said Terry. “In medicine, there are numerous stakeholders or entities competing in the healthcare marketplace and legislative arena including physicians, insurers, hospitals, corporate entities, nurses, and other providers. These non-physician groups get involved financially and personally in the process. If physicians aren’t active, our practices, and most importantly, our patients will be without a voice in the legislative process.”
“Legislators want the opportunity to meet and discuss healthcare with physicians in their community, and physicians need to talk to their elected officials about issues impacting their ability to care for patients,” said Terry.
“These legislative dinners provide an excellent opportunity for a productive exchange of information while helping physicians build a rapport with legislators. The impact can be as simple as introducing legislators to issues that matter or, perhaps, physicians may gain a legislative advocate for our practices and patients.”
Additional information on TMA’s legislative priorities is available at tnmed.org/legislative. Dr. Terry advises physicians interested in participating in the legislative process at the state level to get to know their elected representatives.
“The very best way to initially get engaged with your elected state official is to call or email their office and ask to meet them for coffee in their district,” said Terry.
“Let them know you are a physician and a constituent, and that you would just like to meet them to be a resource for them. When you first meet your official, try not to talk about issues or politics. Get to know them on a personal level. Then send them a follow-up email or letter to thank them. Show up to some of their events or send them appreciative emails throughout the year. Donate to their campaign at some point. Once they know you are active, when a medical issue arises, they will be much more inclined to listen to your concerns.”