November 2026 Advocacy Champion

Paul M. Lafferty, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
Allina Health - United Hospital

1) Why is Advocacy Important to you?
Protecting Patient Rights and Access: According to the American Medical Association, advocacy is a core professional duty to safeguard patient health, equity, and affordability.

Leveraging Clinical Credibility: Because doctors and surgeons experience the daily effects of healthcare laws and insurance rules, we can bring experience and authentic, data-driven insight to legislative and institutional debates to help shape patient care.

Navigating Complex Systems: Healthcare systems have become complex and can be overwhelming for patients. Doctor and surgeon advocates help patients understand treatment choices, break down confusing medical jargon, and coordinate care across multiple specialists.

Preserving Professional Well-Being: Burnout and moral injury are far too common among doctors and surgeons. Advocacy also helps protect the practice environment, helping build sustainable systems that support both quality medicine, and improved doctor and surgeon mental and physical health and autonomy.

2) What healthcare related issues have you advocated for over the past year?
Preserving infringement on the scope of practice of doctors and surgeons so patients receive the right care, at the right time, by the right provider.
 
3) What advice would you offer to others who are interested in advocacy?
Get involved! It will take the united collective efforts of doctors and surgeons to regain control of healthcare. Find an issue you’re passionate about and get involved with your local, state, or national organizations and make a difference.