NYACP Advocacy Week
The NY Chapter devoted an entire week, from May 12–16, to advocacy programs, presentations, and activities. During this time, members were offered an opportunity to gain firsthand experience and engaging in statewide advocacy initiatives.
Advocacy activities included:
Monday, May 12th – Resolution Writing Workshop
Tuesday, May 13th – Chapter Webinar on “The Role of the Advanced Practice Provider”
Wednesday, May 14th
- NYACP’s Advocacy Day in Albany
- Legislator’s Appointments
- Assembly Member David Weprin
- Assembly Member John McDonald
- Assembly Member Jen Lunsford
- Assembly Member Phil Steck
- Governor Hochul
- Senator Jamaal Bailey
- Assembly Member Amy Paulin
- NYACP Attendees
- Nandini Anandu, MD, FACP (HPPC Vice Chair)
- Jonathan Herrera (NYACP Advocacy Intern)
- Kellin King, MD, FACP (HPPC Chair)
- Susan Lee, MD, FACP (Immediate Past NYACP President)
- Todd Simon, MD FACP (NYACP Co-President)
- Loretta Ponesse, NYACP Executive Director
- Amanda Allen, NYACP Director of Communications & Office Management
- Priority Topics
- Primary Care Investment Act
- Prior Authorization
- Step Therapy
- Wrongful Death/Grieving Families (Governor’s office only)
- Legislator’s Appointments
- Member Call-To-Action (all priority topics)
Thursday, May 15th – NYACP Advocacy Town Hall (virtual)
Friday, May 16th – Webinar “Advocacy Made Simple: Where to Begin”
One First-Time Advocate Takeaways from DC
By Amanda Allen, Director of Communications and Office Management, NYACP
In April, over 500 advocates for internal medicine convened in Washington, DC for ACP’s annual Leadership Day. Among them was a proud contingent from the New York Chapter, joining colleagues from across the country to meet with Senators and House Representatives. Together, we advocated for three critical priorities:
- Co-sponsoring the Medicare Patient Empowerment and Stabilization Act
- Protecting Medicaid coverage
- Investing in public health initiatives, research, and the healthcare workforce
As a first-time attendee, I experienced how essential and empowering it is to be involved with organized advocacy. Here are my top three takeaways:
- Preparation and Guidance Are Key
The ACP staff prepared us well, providing resources in the days leading up to the event. Once onsite, we reviewed the talking points and attended a full day of presentations designed to educate and build confidence for the meetings with lawmakers.
- You’re Never Alone
NYACP’s seasoned advocates, including Dr. Kellin King and Dr. Leslie Algase, provided mentorship and encouragement throughout the experience. Our team supported each other with feedback and collaboration. By the end of the day, every team member found their voice and contributed meaningfully to the conversations with lawmakers.
- Access Is Easier Than You Think
Many people don’t know where to begin when it comes to meeting with their representatives. Advocacy through an organization like ACP opens doors and demystifies the process. Even if you don’t meet directly with a Senator or Representative, building a relationship with their staff is essential.
Advocacy is certainly challenging - after all, it involves navigating politics. But it’s also empowering to use your voice to make a difference. And sometimes, there are real wins. Just a week later, we learned that the Congressional Representative for medical student member Kevin Thomas committed to co-sponsoring the Medicare Patient Empowerment and Stabilization Act. It is proof that our stories and presence on Capitol Hill truly make an impact!
The Chapter’s 2025 ACP Leadership Day Delegates were:
Leslie Algase, MD, FACP
David Deemer, MD
Tamara Goldberg, MD, FACP
John Hall, MD, FACP
Suzanne Hall, RN
Kellin King, MD, FACP
Amulya Marellapudi (Medical Student)
Yassine Majoubi, MD
Isabella Newman, MD
Kevin Thomas (Medical Student)
Suggested Resources:
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