b'and into the halls of policy, where theIt reminded me that while we, asthe next PACEP Hill Day or getting systems that shape our daily practiceemergency physicians, are the first toinvolved with your regional chapter. are built. respond to crises, we must also helpYou dont need to be a policy expert to We began the day with breakfast andshape the policies that determinemake an impact; you just need to care an issue briefing at the Hilton, followedhow care is delivered. Advocacy is notdeeply about your patients and your by a full schedule of legislative andseparate from patient careit is anspecialty, and we all do.agency meetings at the Capitol andextension of it. Looking back on where my journey the Department of Health. DuringOn a personal level, I gained a deeperto emergency medicine began, Im one discussion with the DoH, anappreciation for how advocacy andprofoundly grateful to PACEP for attending physician shared a deeplyhealthcare policy intersect, and howcreating space for residents like me to relatable story about how Pennsylvaniato effectively approach legislatorsbe part of the conversation that shapes emergency departments often shoulderwith clear, impactful requests. Thethe future of our field. Indeed, together, the overflow from neighboring statesexperience also reaffirmed for me, aswe help shape the future of emergency where non-physician-led EDs strugglean international medical graduate,medicine in Pennsylvania.to manage complex cases. That storythe incredible opportunities for perfectly illustrated why our advocacyprofessional growth and contribution matters, and it was rewarding to seethat exist within organized medicine. policymakers and legislators engagePACEP provided a platform where thoughtfully with our concerns andevery voice; resident, attending, IMG or questions. otherwise, was heard and valued.Attending Hill Day as a resident wasTo my fellow residents and medical both humbling and empowering.students, I urge you to consider joining PACEP News | Fall 2025 19'