Because we believe that internal medicine physicians have both the power and the obligation to influence health policy and programs, we encourage our residents to advocate for our patients beyond the ward and clinic. For example, we participate regularly in the advocacy efforts of the American College of Physicians (ACP), including Oregon ACP Day At The Capitol Oregon ACP Advocacy Day , and ACP Leadership Day in Washington DC ACP Advocacy. These events include face-to-face advocacy with Oregon’s state and national senators and representatives. For those residents who are particularly interested in enriching their careers in this way, we offer a two-week Advocacy Elective. Several of our faculty and residents serve on local, state, and national committees of internal medicine organizations doing this important work.
