In a recent coaching session, a client shared a feeling many of us know well: the weight of responsibilities, the constant balancing act, and the ever-present concerns about the state of healthcare. She was feeling stretched, looking for more fulfillment, and grappling with the big picture of our healthcare system. It’s a familiar blend of gratitude for a good job and that feeling of being a little stuck.
But then, something shifted. When she started talking about her involvement in a maternal health panel, her whole demeanor changed. Her energy was infectious. “Advocacy brings me energy,” she said, and it was clear she meant it. As her coach, it got me thinking…
What does advocacy really mean?
Essentially, it’s about using your voice to make a difference. It’s about speaking up for what matters, whether it’s for patients, communities, or the changes you want to see in your profession.
It’s about drawing on your unique perspectives and experiences and leveraging your knowledge in a way that influences changes that make healthcare better.
Why advocacy matters – and what it can do for you
I see firsthand the challenges women physicians face, and the disparities in healthcare. Advocacy gives you a way to address these issues, to push for more equitable outcomes. And honestly, it can be incredibly empowering to focus on achievable goals, especially when things feel overwhelming.
But what I’ve realized, and what I observed in my client’s experience, is that advocacy isn’t only about what you do for others; it’s also about what it can do for you. It can:
- Recharge your batteries: When you’re passionate about something, it gives you a sense of purpose and can combat burnout.
- Connect you with others: Working together on shared goals creates a sense of community and support.
- Remind you of your “why”:It can reignite that initial spark that drew you to medicine in the first place.
How You Can Start
If you’re curious about getting involved, here are a few thoughts:
- What lights you up? What issues really resonate with you and your values? Maybe it’s patient access, maybe it’s physician wellness, maybe it’s something else entirely.
- How do you want to contribute? There’s no single right way. Maybe you want to write, maybe you want to mentor, maybe you want to join a committee—all can bring satisfaction.
- Build your network: Connecting with others who share your passions can make a dramatic difference. You can support each other and amplify your impact.
- Small steps matter: You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Even small actions can create meaningful change. Maybe it’s advocating for a specific policy in your workplace, or volunteering with a local organization.
- Celebrate the wins: Acknowledge and celebrate progress, both big and small.
Let’s embrace our roles as advocates, for our patients, for ourselves and for an improved future for healthcare.