Dear OB/GYN Residency Program Director:
We are excited to inform you about a new Resident Advocacy Program (RAP) being implemented by ACOG District II during the 2013 legislative session. This program will expand on CREOG’s educational objectives to recognize the role of the physician in legislation as it relates to women’s health policy and communicate effectively about women’s health concerns to family and community groups.
RAP was created in response to a health advocacy lecture provided to residents at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, under the direction of Dr. Mary Rosser and Dr. Kimberly Thornton. Surveys conducted as part of the lecture uncovered the following disturbing trends:
- 85% of attending physicians reported they did not know the top National ACOG issues with 90% unaware of the top New York State issues.
- 55% of Physicians rate their awareness of advocacy resources as fair/poor.
- 69% of attending physicians report they are not currently involved in health advocacy activities.
The overwhelming conclusion by residents was that health advocacy training should be integrated into resident education.
Through RAP District II will sponsor a two day trip for one or two residents to Albany once a year during the legislative session. We understand that it is difficult for residents to be away from the hospital for this length of time, therefore, we ask you to select the preferred 48 hour period, between Monday and Thursday during the months of January through June.
Click here for a brief overview of the program.
Your participation in this annual Resident Advocacy Program is strongly encouraged. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Katie Gordon at kgordon@ny.acog.org or 518-436-3461.
Click here to respond regarding your participation in the RAP Program.
Thanks as always for your time and dedication to ACOG District II and the education of our future practitioners.
Sincerely,
Eva Chalas, MD, FACOG, FACS
Chair
ACOG District II