NCDA Advocacy

The NCDA encourages all members to get involved in advocacy activities that impact the medical profession and your patients. It is our hope that you will seriously consider joining your colleagues who have already made a commitment to advocacy. Whether at the state capitol, with state agencies such as the Medical Board, or in Washington DC, the need for physicians' voices is growing. Issues of concern and urgency are becoming increasingly complex and our elected policy makers need to hear from physicians as more and more challenges are being faced at both the state and federal levels.

Activities and opportunities include:

NCDA Advocacy Fund - The North Carolina Dermatology Association is dedicated to representing the best interests of dermatologists and their patients. That platform for advocacy applies to the areas of legislative and regulatory engagement and even in our efforts to promote equitable payer relations. To help build and sustain an effective advocacy program, the NCDA has established an Advocacy Fund. This fund allows dermatologists and their practices to financially contribute to the Association in a manner that is not subject to public disclosure. Contributions can come from personal or corporate accounts. Thank you for your support of the NCDA through the Advocacy Fund. Contributions and gifts to the NC Dermatology Association are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for Federal or State income tax purposes. Support the NCDA Advocacy Fund with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.

DermPAC - There are two sides to the "advocacy coin". There is legislative advocacy, which includes activities such as the Key Contact Network and engaging as an advocate in the legislative process. There is also political advocacy, which is equally important. It is vital to elect candidates who support dermatology's positions and who are willing to be legislative leaders on matters impacting our specialty and patient care. The mechanism for being a political advocate and positioning dermatology to optimize our legislative effectiveness is through contributing to DermPAC. In doing so you are investing in your and your patients' future. Donate online TODAY.

Key Contact Network - As has been stated repeatedly, all politics is local. That is a fact and it emphasizes the importance of having an effective network of physicians who are willing to make a contact at a crucial point prior to and during legislative debate. Being a Key Contact is a simple commitment and requires very little time. It simply requires that you be willing to convey a message to your elected officials when called upon. Become a Key Contact by emailing ncderm@ncmedsoc.org.

White Coat Wednesday - During each session of the NC General Assembly, physicians are encouraged to participate in the series of "White Coat Wednesday" events coordinated in conjunction with the NC Medical Society. These sessions have been designed as advocacy "mini-internships" for physicians so organized medicine can become more effective in promoting the best interests of the profession and the patients you serve. Stay tuned for information about the next WCW and be sure to sign up. Learn more at www.ncmedsoc.org/wcw.

Also . . . .

Local Meetings with Legislators - Local meetings with legislators offer excellent opportunities to get to know those who represent you in the Legislature. These meetings are typically held as late-day/early-evening sessions for one hour in a dermatology practice. All we need is an indication that you are willing to host an event and we'll take care of making the arrangements. Let us know by emailing ncderm@ncmedsoc.org.

Membership - At a minimum, every dermatologist in North Carolina should be an NCDA member. The association is a dues-driven organization representing dermatology in North Carolina and the level of participation and support from the dermatologists in the state dictates the scope of the activities we can pursue and the success we can achieve. Not a member - JOIN TODAY!

The information provided describes just some of the ways you can become a more effective advocate in the election and decision-making process. If you have questions on how, when or why, please let us know. The "who" is you — never underestimate the impact you can have as an advocate. Your support is very much appreciated.

 
 
 

North Carolina Dermatology Association

 
 
 
 

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North Carolina Dermatology Association

Street Address:  222 N. Person Street, Raleigh, NC  27601                                 Phone: 919.833.3836 or Toll Free (NC Only) 800.722.1350
Mailing Address:  PO Box 27167, Raleigh, NC  27611                                          Fax: 919.833.2023

Email: ncderm@ncmedsoc.org