Lauren Pomerantz, MD

PGY-3 Internal Medicine
The Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

1) Why is being an advocate so important to you? 
I trace my passion for advocacy to witnessing my brother struggle to navigate a complex healthcare system while experiencing mental health concerns, when I was younger. His experience showed me how deeply equity in access, resources, and support can shape people’s ability to receive care, and how many gaps remain within our healthcare system. As I pursued my own journey in medicine, I carried these lessons with me, seeking to understand how we can support patients not only at the bedside, but also beyond the walls of the clinic and hospital. As a primary care provider during residency, I feel particularly empowered to leverage the knowledge, skills, and resources available to me to help as many people as possible. At the same time, I recognize that meaningful and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery often require changes at the systemic level. This understanding has led me to become increasingly involved in policy and legislative advocacy, with the goal of addressing the broader structures and laws that shape patients’ health and access to care.  

2) What health-care related issue(s) have you advocated for over the past year? 
Over the past year, I have advocated for several health-care related issues, including expanding access to Medicaid (including expressing concern with newly implemented work requirements); allowance of an interest-free deferment for borrowers while in residency; ensuring patients maintain insurance coverage for vaccines approved by ACIP as of fall of 2024; and for provider reimbursement stability.  

3) What advice would you offer to others who are interested in advocacy? 
There is no “right” way to be an advocate. If you have a passion or an interest, go for it! Start by sharing your interests with the people around you - you're likely surrounded by people who would be excited to support you and connect you with resources to explore those interests further. Depending on your specialty, a great place to start may be the advocacy arm of your governing specialty organization, if applicable. There are also likely local organizations that would greatly value your time and support. And don’t be discouraged if you don’t see the results you’re hoping for right away. Advocacy takes time, persistence, and diligence. It may not always feel like it, but know that your efforts are making a difference!