A prospective study assessing the political advocacy of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons members

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the current political standings and active political engagement of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) members along with the political process as it relates to health care policy.

Methods: This survey study involved 552 ASES members. The survey was open for 2 weeks. Responses were received from 254 of the 552 members (46%), and their answers were analyzed.

Results: Six (2%) of the responding members were solo practitioners, 100 (39%) belonged to a private practice, 106 (42%) were providers at academic institutions or residency training programs, 25 (10%) were employed by a hospital, and 17 (7%) categorized themselves as other. Email was the preferred method of communication. Of all responding members, 110 (43%) stated they had contributed to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery Political Advocacy Committee in the last 12 months. Four (10%) of the responding members have a relationship with an elected official, and 220 (87%) would be willing to become a key contact and reach out to a legislator.

Conclusion: Moving forward, this survey can be used to better shape the political advocacy efforts of the ASES and potentially other subspecialty societies. The response that "a high percentage of members would like to be more involved" suggests the need for a program to help further educate and facilitate the membership on political advocacy.

Keywords: ASES members; Political advocacy; health care; political standings; politics.