Importance of Advocacy from the Orthopedic Surgeon

Over the past century, governmental involvement in the delivery of health care has grown steadily through health policy initiatives and increased regulations. Traditionally, the involvement in this process for the orthopedic surgeon was minimal because they were focused primarily on direct patient care. These two pathways have met a crossroads, however, where it has now become necessary for the orthopedic surgeon to advocate on behalf of themselves and their patients to guide and influence the legislative and regulatory processes. This article reviews the background of orthopedic advocacy and discusses ways in which the interested surgeon can become involved.