March 2026

This year tested every assumption about stability in health care, but it also revealed the extraordinary power of physicians and medical trainees when they stand together. As highlighted in our 2025 Impact Report, DFA physicians and medical trainees rose to meet the moment transforming concern into action to defend evidence-based medicine and protect patients’ access to care.

 

Across all 50 states, our members stood up against harmful policy changes, brought frontline clinical experience into courtrooms and legislative chambers, and ensured that science—not politics—guided decisions affecting patient health. Through litigation, advocacy, and direct engagement with federal agencies, DFA physicians helped safeguard public health data, protected affordable coverage, and elevated the real-world impact of policy on patients and families.

 

What makes DFA extraordinary is its people. Our community of clinicians and trainees continues to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion showing that advocacy is not separate from medicine, but an essential part of it. Together, we are not only defending the health care system we have, but are building the one our patients deserve.

 

The work ahead is significant but so is our resolve. Thank you for being a part of this movement.

 

Join the only national, physician-led community turning advocacy into measurable action. When you become a DFA member, you don’t just support change, you help shape it.

Membership unlocks:

Across the country, physicians are stepping forward to protect their patients and strengthen our health system. Don’t sit on the sidelines while critical decisions are made.

 

No matter where you are in your journey— medical student, practicing clinician, retiree, or committed patient advocate— there is a place for you here. Join a community united in protecting patient rights and strengthening the future of our health system.

 

Your patients need advocates. This moment needs you. Use code “ADVOCACY” to save 30% off your first year of membership.

Tune in for our next Advocacy Grand Rounds on March 26th at 8 pm ET. This session will highlight the pathways LGBTQ+ patients can take to build families, including options across reproductive endocrinology, urology, and related fields. It also explores the systemic, financial, and logistical barriers they face, and how clinicians across specialties can better support informed, patient-centered family-building decisions.

Access to Affordable Care (AAC) - Join us in the fight for affordable healthcare! Don’t miss our monthly call on Tuesday, March 3rd at 8pm ET!

Health Justice and Equity (HJE) - Join the Health Justice & Equity Subcommittees to work on issues of gender-affirming care, reproductive rights, and immigrant health justice on March 16 at 8 pm ET!

Community Health and Prevention (CHP) - Join the Community Health & Prevention Subcommittees to work on issues of substance use disorders, gun violence prevention, and public health on March 22 at 8 pm ET!

Politics is failing patients—let’s fight back with our words. Join DFA’s Op-Ed Writing Workshop on Wednesday, March 25 at 8 pm ET with Washington Post contributor Dr. Jennifer Obel and learn how to write op-eds that drive real change.