Takeaway
Advocacy matters—policy decisions impact access to care and patient health outcomes. When speaking with legislators, have a strategy to grab their attention and have the most influence.
Passion in the Medical Profession | December 2, 2025 | 2 min read
By Zoe Tseng, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Advocacy matters—policy decisions impact access to care and patient health outcomes. I frequently hear, “Are you accepting new patients? I would love for you to be the PCP for my loved one . . .” I receive this request on a weekly basis. While I appreciate that people think highly of me, I also know that it stems from the primary care crisis we’re experiencing in Massachusetts, and across America. Many PCPs are either leaving the practice of medicine, shifting to concierge practice, or retiring early.
When state legislators and their staff are asking my colleagues and me this same question in meetings with them, we have their ear and attention as we advocate for legislation to increase the percentage of healthcare dollars spent on primary care, which is currently at 6%. Sadly, in Massachusetts we have the highest total physicians per capita but among the fifth lowest share of all physicians who work in primary care.
As doctors, we have legitimacy and authority that legislators respect and rely on to understand the needs of the healthcare system. We don’t need to be health policy wonks because we’re experts in taking care of patients and can speak from that expertise.
When speaking with legislators:
1. Establish your authenticity.
Tell them you’re a constituent, why this issue matters to the legislator (local impact), and why you’re an expert on it.
2. Make it personal.
Tell the stories of your patients and your own experiences. Avoid medical jargon and describe what issue or policy led to this outcome. Add a compelling statistic if possible.
3. Deliver a focused request.
Ask the legislator to take concrete action on this legislation, which varies depending on where it is in the legislative cycle.
4. Follow up.
Provide any additional information requested and continue to communicate with the legislator about this legislation as it moves through the state house.
Our advocacy matters because we bring to light the personal impact that healthcare legislation has on patients and the practice of medicine. And it’s important to remember that advocacy isn’t a one-and-done action. Health policy takes years to shape and requires persistence, patience, and passion. Every meeting and outreach is how you develop long-term relationships with legislators.
No matter how you decide to advocate, what’s clear is that we can’t sit back—this is the time to stand up and advocate for the future of our patients and profession. And maybe one day, when asked, “Are you accepting new patients?” I’ll be able to gladly say, “Yes!”
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This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.