1. Why Orthopaedic Surgery Residents Should Be Involved in Political Advocacy
* Date *
* Your Name Here *

2. What is a PAC?
Political Action Committee (PAC): A popular term for a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. Most PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests.

3. Comparison of PACs

4. Why Does Fundraising Matter?
In 93% of House of Representatives races, and 94% of Senate races, the candidate who spent the most money won
Members of Congress dislike fundraising, but view it as a necessary evil
An individual making a monetary donation and volunteering time will have more influence than 99.9% of constituents

5. Popular Excuses We will never make a difference
An individual making a monetary donation and volunteering time will have more influence than 99.9% of constituents
Isn’t it enough to work hard, be a good surgeon, and take care of your patients?
Increasingly the ability of surgeons to deliver quality care is shaped by political forces and the public’s perception of physicians

6. Reasons to Donate
The AAOS PAC is the only national PAC representing orthopaedic interests to Congress
Issues-based, non-partisan
No one understands your practice and your patients’ needs better than you
If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu…

7. Examples Lack of EHR usability ICD-10
Meaningful use – mandatory electronic transmission of prescriptions
Peer-to-peer reviews
Increasing joint replacement documentation requirements and denials
Work hour limits

8. What Physicians Have to Offer
Credibility and expertise
We understand the “front lines” of healthcare better than anyone else
We are able to advocate for patients

9. Recent Advocacy Victories
Repealed SGR (every year physician reimbursement was slated for 20-30% cuts)
Repealed Meaningful Use (EHR requirements that forced implementation of clunky and inefficient software)
Texas Tort Reform. Prior to tort reform:
1 out of 4 physicians was sued at least once a year
85 percent of all medical malpractice claims failed but still cost more than $50,000 to defend.
Innocent property owners were held 100 percent responsible for the actions of trespassing criminals.

10. Recent Advocacy Victories – Texas Tort Reform
Since Tort Reform was passed in Texas:
The number of licensed physicians in the state has doubled
A large health system (Christus Health) saved so much on liability costs that it increased its charity care by $100 million
Malpractice premiums were cut in half in some cases

11. How to Donate Text PAC12 to 71777 Donate at the link below
$10 donation