ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Your Support of ArkMed-PAC is Essential to AMS Legislative Success
BY H . SCOTT SMITH , JD DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
The importance of building on a solid foundation is a fundamental principle in construction , especially if you want your building to last for a while . This principle applies to all walks of life and all programs … academics , athletics , and the arts . A firm foundation increases the odds of “ success ” over the long term . For example , some college athletic teams may have seasons that may not meet expectations created by past successes and the raised standards of excellence , but a solid program will have a better chance of rebounding the following season . A theater department may have
A firm foundation increases the odds of “ success ” over the long term . oPhysicians Patients P litics a production inferior to previous shows , but over time , the productions will be of a higher quality than a program without a strong foundation .
Our primary job at the Arkansas Medical Society is to advocate for you - the physicians of Arkansas and your patients . Whether that advocacy is at the courthouse , in an administrative hearing , at the U . S . Capitol , or at the State Capitol , we work hard to consistently succeed in our advocacy . But what does success look like , and how can AMS improve the odds of long-term , consistent legislative success ?
Join us for the AMS Fall Legislative Meeting
November 3-4 , 2022
Every two years , the Arkansas Medical Society meets to discuss issues of concern , share thoughts , and prioritize our legislative package for the upcoming session of the Arkansas General Assembly
Attendees will be able to provide input on already-identified issues that will be addressed in 2023 , as well as bring issues of interest that may not have been identified or considered yet . This is also a great opportunity to network face-to-face with peers from all around the state .
All AMS members are invited to attend .
REGISTER TODAY !
Scan QR Code or visit ARKMED . org
As in other areas , long-term , consistent success is built upon a strong foundation . While AMS has a long history of legislative success , it is vitally important to make sure the foundation remains firm to increase the likelihood of continued successes in the future . John Wooden , widely regarded as the greatest coach the sporting world has ever seen , defined success as the “ peace of mind that is the direct result of selfsatisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming .”
How does the Arkansas Medical Society know we have done our best to become the best in advocating for the physicians of Arkansas and their patients in the legislative arena ? When the Society and its members help support physician-friendly candidates , whether those candidates win or not , we know we are doing our best to become the best in our advocacy . Of course , we want every physician-friendly candidate to win , but there is value even in supporting a losing campaign . The willingness to be part of the process , win or lose , is important . To be known as an organization ready to actively participate sends the right message to all - win or lose .
When we strongly support successful physician-friendly candidates , we build closer , stronger relationships that can continue our ability to provide successful advocacy for Arkansas physicians and their patients . It truly is that simple . There is nothing more helpful to sustaining continued legislative success than to help physician-friendly candidates win their elections .
The most effective and efficient way for most AMS members to help physicianfriendly candidates is to contribute to the political arm of the Arkansas Medical
46 THE JOURNAL OF THE ARKANSAS MEDICAL SOCIETY