October 2026 Advocacy Champion

Daron W. Gersch, MD, FAAFP

Family Medicine Physician
CentraCare-Long Prairie (also works at the CentraCare hospitals in Melrose, Sauk Centre, and Paynesville)

1)  Why is being an advocate so important to you?
Early in my career, I realized that legislators and the laws they make play a huge role in healthcare policy and access to care. I initially became involved in advocacy after realizing most of those legislators have no health background. I wanted to help inform them on how their decisions would affect others, and how they could work within the overall healthcare system. Over time, I have seen how these policies have had positive and negative effects on people’s lives. I continue to advocate to try and help make policies that are beneficial and helpful to patients and communities, especially rural ones like I serve.

2)  What health-care related issue(s) have you advocated for over the past year?
Currently, vaccines and public health have come under attack. Also, the trust in physicians and scientists as a whole has been undermined. I have been doing a lot of advocating for immunizations, public health, and science-based care.

With the rapid integration of augmented intelligence and computer-based learning systems, I am working to help ensure that they are tools to be used to help physicians, versus the mistaken idea that they could replace a physician. Speaking out on this topic has been high on my agenda.

I also have been advocating for better payments to physicians that correctly reflect the work being performed. Specifically, I have been working to try and help improve Medicare and Medicaid payment structures for physicians. 

3)  What advice would you offer to others who are interested in advocacy?
Like Nike said: “Just do it”! Overall, advocacy is not something that needs to be viewed as scary or hard. A person should find a topic that they are passionate about. Then, learn how to make it better and advocate to those who can make the change to improve our communities and patients. Start with something simple, and slowly add more  as you become comfortable. Always remember, legislators are not experts in everything, and you are an expert in medicine and healthcare. They want to hear your stories and opinions so that they can make good decisions for their constituents.