How to Have a Successful State Lobby Day

Sarah Avery, MD, FACR, past president of the Texas Radiological Society (TRS) recently sat down with Eugenia Brandt, ACR^® Senior Government Relations Director and shared tips on how states can have a successful state lobby day.

Question: What did TRS learn about advocacy and the lawmakers’ understanding — or misunderstanding — of what radiologists actually do?

Dr. Avery: One of the main reasons we hold advocacy days at the State Capitol is because there is a need for education. Some legislators and staff members have a solid understanding of radiology, while others are less familiar with our role in patient care. In Texas, many legislative offices have dedicated health policy staff, which is helpful, but we still take time explaining who radiologists are, the depth of our training, and the expertise we bring to healthcare decisions. That educational component is incredibly important.

Our efforts have also been supported by the ACR Scope of Practice Grant, which helped us conduct public education and social media campaigns over the past two years.

One strategy that has significantly increased participation is coordinating our advocacy day with the TRS Annual Meeting. We purposely schedule the meeting in Austin while the Legislature is in session. That allows us to bring together a diverse group of advocates —including practicing radiologists, residents, fellows, and medical students from across Texas — for Capitol visits.

Before heading to the Capitol, we hold a preparation session with our lobbyist to review the process and the talking points: what radiologists do, why they are essential members of the healthcare team, and the specific legislative priorities we will discuss. Combining advocacy with our annual meeting has made it easier to engage new volunteers and expose more members to the legislative process. We have used this approach during the last two legislative sessions and plan to do so again in 2027.

Question: Was there one message, story, or “elevator pitch” that seemed to resonate especially well with legislators?

Dr. Avery: Legislators juggle hundreds of issues every session, many of them unrelated to healthcare, so it's important to keep your message simple and focused. We work closely with our legislative committee to develop a concise advocacy agenda that aligns with the broader priorities of the Texas Medical Association and the physician community.

One issue that consistently resonates is scope of practice. Legislators are often considering proposals that would expand independent practice authority for non-physician providers. We begin by explaining what radiologists do and then connect that discussion to the importance of physician-led care. We emphasize the years of medical training, residency education, board certification, and specialized expertise required to interpret medical imaging and guide patient care.

Showing legislators the commitment and training required to become a radiologist helps them understand why physician-led teams remain the best model for delivering high-quality care.

Question: How did TRS prepare radiologists who had never advocated before to feel comfortable walking into a legislative office? Is there strength in numbers?

Dr. Avery: We typically organize small groups of three to four advocates for each legislative visit, similar to the ACR Capitol Hill Day model. Whenever possible, we arrange meetings with lawmakers who represent the advocates' home districts.

Each group has an experienced leader — often a member of the legislative committee —who handles introductions, presents the leave-behind materials, and helps guide the discussion. That structure ensures everyone feels comfortable participating, especially residents and fellows, whose perspectives are often very impactful.

Question: Looking back, what would TRS do differently next time — and what would they absolutely repeat?

Dr. Avery: One lesson we continually reinforce during our preparation session is that every participant is representing TRS. It is important to be disciplined, stay on message and clearly communicate the society's priorities.

Preparation is key. Having clear talking points, coordinated messaging, and well-prepared advocates makes every Capitol visit more effective.

Another key takeaway is that advocacy days create lasting engagement. Even members who arrive with little knowledge of the legislative process often leave with a much deeper appreciation for how healthcare policy is made. That experience frequently sparks additional involvement, whether through future advocacy efforts, responding to calls to action, or supporting physician advocacy organizations.

Question: When planning a Capitol Day, how do you balance educating lawmakers about radiology with making a specific legislative ask?

Dr. Avery: The balance for structuring your messaging depends somewhat on who you are meeting with. A legislator or staff member may have very different levels of familiarity with radiology.

When discussing issues such as scope of practice, we recognize that lawmakers are hearing from multiple stakeholder groups with differing viewpoints. Our approach is always respectful and educational. By focusing on our training, expertise, and role in patient care, we can frame the discussion in a positive and constructive way.

Stories can also be very effective, particularly when discussing highly specialized or technical issues. Real-world examples help policymakers understand why certain regulatory or licensing challenges matter and how those issues ultimately affect patient access to care.

One final recommendation for other state societies is to maximize participation. Small meeting groups work best inside legislative offices but having a large number of radiologists present at the Capitol sends a powerful message. Seeing the legislative process firsthand often inspires members to remain engaged in advocacy long after the event concludes. Strong organizational support — including a well-coordinated PAC, effective lobbyist, and thoughtful event planning — can make a significant difference, but even smaller state societies can successfully replicate many of these strategies on a scale that works for them.

ACR has developed the advocacy curriculum for those looking to build their knowledge of advocacy. For more information about state issues, contact Eugenia Brandt, ACR Senior Government Relations Director.