The Health Advocate Role (cont.)

Preparing future physicians for socially responsive practice

Tracy Monk

Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, UBC

Head of the Department of General Practice, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster

How did you get started?

I saw some teenagers on TV doing advocacy work about something I cared about and decided to dig into the data to learn more about the issue. I spoke to a lobbyist who explained that researching the facts and compiling a bulletproof presentation of the evidence on why something needed to be done, and then presenting the information in a short simple form was key in achieving success. Health advocates need a one pager and a one minute elevator speech prepared. You need to know your subject inside out and know what 1-3 key points you are trying to make when talking to media.

What is satisfying about this work for you as a physician?

It is deeply meaningful to try to make a difference, and the information I present is always a morale booster for physicians who might be tired in their day-to-day work and forget about the big picture. And if they are teaching – it reminds them of the difference they can make.

What pearls of wisdom would you like to share with medical colleagues about this work?

The literature supports what we all know in our hearts: making a commitment to patients over time, improves health outcomes, reduces costs and is deeply meaningful for both patients and doctors.

How do you think more physicians can be engaged in HA?

Understand what the word "advocacy" means for starters . . . I am ashamed to say that in spite of being a mildly intelligent person, I did not even know what the meaning of the word “advocacy” was until I was 40 and got a bee in my bonnet about a particular issue.

We need greater advocacy about how important health advocacy is, and to connect with your community and a larger purpose… It might be a secret to physician happiness…

. . .