The Role of Physician Advocacy in Achieving Health Equity: Where Is the Allergist-Immunologist?

Abstract

As allergists and immunologists many of us have likely worked in the capacity of being an advocate for individual patients. However, how many of us are aware of our ability to be effective advocates who address root causes of health issues through policy changes? Physician advocacy is not a core competency medical specialty training (except pediatrics), yet physicians' clinical and research expertise and professional experience can be leveraged to shape policy. This rostrum describes the spectrum of activities for a physician advocate, barriers to physician advocacy, and actionable steps to encouraging the training and expansion of advocacy efforts by allergists and immunologists.