Continuing Physician Advocacy at the 2019 CMA PAC Fundraiser

Last Thursday, September 26th, a group of physicians and medical students gathered at the home of Dr. Pat Ecklar for CMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) Fundraiser. The annual event is a casual evening of warm peer-to-peer conversation and a Q&A discussion with a local representative as a guest speaker all with the goal of raising money so the CMA can continue advocating for policies important to physicians.

“The CMA maintains a modest PAC as a part of our strategy of building relationships with elected officials from Central Ohio who are supportive of policies important to physicians and their patients,” said CMA Public Policy Consultant, Malcolm Porter. “Our contributions to elected officials are a recognition of the reality of the cost of elections for good officeholders.” Porter continued.

This year’s speaker was Sate Representative Allison Russo of House District 24. Russo discussed topics such as price transparency, telemedicine, gun safety, vaping, and climate change. “It’s an opportunity to talk in detail about not only health care policy, but also any legislative issues, political topics, or even personal aspects of what it is like to be a legislator.” explained Porter.

Besides an informative discussion of current policies in Ohio, attendees really enjoy the dynamic between medical students and more established physicians. The students are able to experience an opportunity different from their normal medical education. The physicians, who were of course also once medical students, enjoy the energy and new perspectives the students bring.

If you were unable to attend but would like to still contribute to the CMA PAC, you can do so here.

Find more photos from the PAC Fundraiser here.