Advocacy Champions

MMA recognizes Advocacy Champions every month.

Learn about our current champion, as well as our past champions, listed to the right.

August 2026 Advocacy Champion

Kaitlin McLean, MD

Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Resident
University of Minnesota

1) Why is being an advocate so important to you?
Being an advocate is something that always came first, for me. I knew that I wanted to help people, particularly those who don't have a voice in big (or have historically been ignored by) systems of power, since before I was certain I wanted to be a doctor. From a young age I learned how much good can come from speaking truth to power, and in the practice of medicine we are given such a privilege. Not only do we hold some of people's very worst fears and biggest hopes, often right after meeting them, but we also have the honor of carrying these moments with us forever. I have always felt that when we see suffering at the bedside or gain insight to flawed systems - it is also part of our obligation to our patients to try and speak up about it. 

2) What health-care related issue(s) have you advocated for over the past year? 
This last year I have been focused on vaccine access and improving MMR vaccination rates in MN. Unfortunately, as cases all over the country rise, we are in a dangerous position in Minnesota, with some of the very lowest kindergarten vaccination rates in the country. I worked with the MMA and MNAAP to propose some state legislative policies to address gaps, like requiring insurance to still cover the previously recommended vaccine schedule, taking away philosophical objection without physician education, and forming a new state committee to make local recommendations in a time when the federal recommendations may not be the most evidence-based. I'm also excited to be presenting a poster on the process of examining legislative gaps, drafting legislation, and testifying at the national AAP conference this year. 

3) What advice would you offer to others who are interested in advocacy?
This community is rich with advocates. If you are interested, look around, and strike up conversation. Follow someone else to the hill or go to a lecture that sounds interesting, and if you feel passionate about something, speak up. And just like in medicine, you know your areas of expertise. Trust that, and trust yourself.