Advocacy Champions

June 2019 Advocacy Champion

Marilyn J Peitso, MD, FAAP, Pediatric Hospitalist, CentraCare, St. Cloud

1. Why is being an advocate so important to you?  I need to get out of my pediatrician box every now and then and feel like I am doing something to change the status quo systems of care and government that can act as barriers to health and wellness for my patients and fellow citizens.  In a world where so much that happens is out of my control, being able to speak to problems, collaborate with others, and maybe influence a few things for the better, helps me sleep at night.
2. What health-care related issue(s) have you advocated for over the past year?  I testified to the Minnesota State Legislature in support of the House bill to ban conversion therapy. I have worked within my community toward developing new mental health and child advocacy  services. I support MEDPAC.
3. What advice would you offer to others who are interested in advocacy?  Just say YES!  Get out there, be an advocate, work with others, be a volunteer.  It may add years to your life.  Support MEDPAC.  It is a way to work collectively with others that share your passions, and don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.  All overused phrases for a reason (they hold some truth)

Past Advocacy Champions

Coming soon.

Interested in learning more about how to serve as an advocate for your patients and the medical profession, contact Juliana Milhofer.