Join Us for ACOG Advocacy Month

I’m honored to take over Dr. Hollier’s President’s Blog today to share something that’s so near and dear to my heart: advocacy! As your JFCAC chair, I’ve been waiting for October all year, and not just because I love costumes and candy corn. October is ACOG Advocacy Month!

ACOG Advocacy Month is a project the JFCAC launched because we want everyone—Junior Fellows and Fellows alike—to know that ACOG is more than practice guidelines and conferences. ACOG is also how we make our voices heard around the country and around the world and speak out about the issues that matter most to our specialty. Through the strength of our numbers, using the resources and connections ACOG has established, our specialty organization can be the megaphone or the password we need to make sure our message is heard where our voices are needed the most. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to get involved wherever you are, no matter your schedule, and make a difference on the issues that are most important to you.

Before we get into the details, watch our short video about advocacy and how ACOG can help you advocate for issues you care about.

Each week of October will have a different advocacy focus, including at least one action item to help you find your passion and take action to make a difference right away. Check out our website each week for new updates, ideas, tips, and tricks and keep an eye on #JFAdvoMonth on social media for inspiration. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran advocate, I promise you’ll learn something new!

I’ve loved traveling the country with ACOG since my term began, making new friends and learning all of the different things our colleagues love most about our specialty. At every meeting and event I’ve attended, I’ve been inspired to see one trait overwhelmingly present in our community: Passion. It’s no surprise that folks who sign up for a life of long work hours, constant education, and high-pressure performance circumstances are a passionate group. Our patients and our practices rely on that dedication and enthusiasm every day—but our patients need us outside of the exam room too. Our commitment to our specialty must be heard in the places where decisions that impact our lives and the lives of the women we serve are made.

Advocacy is an integral part of our mission as physicians. This month, I hope you’ll join us in learning new ways to use our clinical experience and expertise to make an even bigger difference for women’s health.

On behalf of the JFCAC, happy ACOG Advocacy Month!

Katie McHugh, MD, is the Current ACOG Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council (JFCAC) chair and an obstetrician gynecologist at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Connect with her on Twitter at @KtMcH.