Indiana Medical Foundation

ISMA Advanced Advocacy Leadership Program

“The ISMA is committed to ensuring that physicians’ expertise and perspectives are influential in shaping health policy and improving the health of patients. ISMA developed and launched an “Advocacy Bootcamp Leadership Training Program” in 2023 to provide physicians the core knowledge and introductory skills needed to become effective advocates in the public policy arena. The program includes monthly Zoom meetings, a visit to the Indiana Statehouse for Physician Advocacy Day, and an in-person capstone session at the end of the training. There is a maximum of 25 participants per cohort for each bootcamp. The course curriculum includes the following topics: how policy is made in Indiana; how physicians can participate in the legislative process; the anatomy of the federal and state legislatures; how to track the progress of bills; the basics of policy assessment, strategy, and framing; an understanding of self-awareness and authentic influence; conflict management and engaging with others; negotiating; and the basics of meeting with policymakers/legislators. “