December 2024 Advocacy Champion

Kevin Donnelly, MD

Family Medicine
CentraCare - Southway Clinic

1) Why is being an advocate so important to you?
We are all advocates for our patients as we see and care for them directly in care settings. This will always be the core of who we are as physicians. Advocacy for our patients itself is a huge responsibility and privilege. Isn’t that enough?

Asking physicians to advocate and affect policy changes beyond the patient room seems like too much. However, if I care about my own job satisfaction and the best care for my patients, giving a little more is incredibly important. We can feel helpless as health systems, insurance companies, and legislators seem to control our lives and our patients’ lives. We are in the best position to help lead healthcare and influence decision makers - and that requires advocacy.

2) What health-care related issue(s) have you advocated for over the past year?
I just completed my term as Chair of the Equity in Access and Quality (EAQ) Committee. Last year, we focused on care issues for underserved populations. The committee has worked to direct MMA policy that will guide advocacy for these populations. The committee also successfully amended MMA policy to improve school based mental health care for children and adolescents. The EAQ committee also developed a policy proposal on correctional healthcare that was adopted by the MMA Board of Trustees (BOT). Patients with incarcerated status need to have access to timely and high-quality healthcare.  

The EAQ committee also developed a policy proposal to support community health workers which has been submitted to the BOT for their review and consideration. This group of dedicated providers can greatly improve timeliness and coordination of care for patients with chronic health issues, the elderly, and those with social determinants of health needs.

Finally, the EAQ committee has also developed a policy proposal on expanded health insurance access for patients with undocumented status.

3) What advice would you offer to others who are interested in advocacy?
Start small and do something. Be a mentor. Volunteer in underserved communities. Get involved in committees within your clinic or health system. Attend the MMA Physicians’ Day at the Capitol on February 19, 2025, where experienced physicians and MMA staff can teach you how to interact with legislators. The MMA and specialty societies also have committees where you can learn and grow in advocacy.   

Leveraging our expertise and influence can improve public health outcomes and affect policy changes. Advocacy is a skill learned over time. You can learn from your peers and colleagues. This is no different than medical training where we continue to improve our skills and talents through teaching provided by experienced physicians. Making bigger changes in healthcare can be a slow and painful process. Do not get discouraged or give up.