October 2026

Over the last few months, I’ve been writing about the power of showing up.

 

And DFA members have certainly been doing that.

 

You’ve shown up on Capitol Hill. You’ve submitted public comments. You’ve joined lawsuits, spoken with reporters, contacted lawmakers, organized in your communities, mentored emerging advocates, and lent your voices to issues affecting patients across the country.

 

But lately, I’ve been thinking about the question that comes next:

 

What happened because we showed up?

 

Advocacy isn’t ultimately measured by the number of meetings we attend, emails we send, or events we hold. Those things matter, but they are the beginning, not the destination.

 

The real goal is impact.

 

Did we reach someone new?
Did that person become engaged?
Did our expertise influence a conversation or decision?
And, ultimately, did something change for patients or communities?

 

Sometimes the outcome is big and visible: legislation changes, a harmful policy is stopped, or a court rules in a way that protects patients.

 

More often, change happens incrementally. A congressional staffer remembers the physician who explained what a policy would mean for her patients. A medical student discovers that advocacy belongs in their future career. A reporter calls DFA because they know our members will bring credible clinical experience to a complicated issue. A physician who has never considered themselves an advocate takes action for the first time.

 

One of DFA’s greatest strengths has always been our ability to bring the experience of the exam room into places where decisions about health care are made. So this month, I’ll leave you with a question:

 

 

And perhaps an even more important one:

 

 

Thank you for continuing to put patients over politics, and for turning your voice, your expertise, and your experiences into action.

 

In solidarity,

This past week, our FDA Task Force met with representatives from Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and many more to discuss ongoing issues and advocate for patient safety. If you'd like to learn more about the FDA Task Force and the important issues that they are currently focused on, register for their next meeting on Tuesday, October 20 at 8:00 pm through the link below.

What are “gas station drugs” and why are they on the rise? Packaged in pills, powders or liquids, Kratom has recently raised some alarms as it's been popping up on shelves in convenience stores. Join us on Thursday, October 22 for a deep dive into the rise of these new substances.

Join the Access to Affordable Care Team on Tuesday, October 6, at 8:00 pm ET as we mobilize to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act from devastating cuts that threaten the health and financial security of millions of Americans. Be part of the strategy and help shape our advocacy efforts.

Join the Community Health & Prevention Subcommittees on Monday, October 19, at 8:00 pm ET to tackle some of the nation's most pressing public health challenges, including substance use disorders, gun violence prevention, and strengthening public health systems. Your expertise can help drive meaningful change.

Join the FDA Task Force on Tuesday, October 20, at 8:00 pm ET to learn how physicians can influence FDA policy and advocate for the safe, effective, and equitable regulation of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. Whether you're new to advocacy or an experienced leader, there's a place for you.

Join the Health Justice & Equity Subcommittees on Sunday, October 25, at 8:00 pm ET to fight for access to more equitable healthcare access, including reproductive rights, sexual and gender health, and immigrant and carceral health justice. Your expertise can help drive meaningful change.

Healthcare access remains at the center of national conversations. The Reproductive Health Coalition is offering a series of free, interactive trainings designed to help clinicians, advocates, and community members communicate more effectively about reproductive healthcare. Gain practical skills, build confidence, and learn how to have respectful, values-based conversations that make a difference.

We believe that your stories have the power to shape policy and shift public opinion. Fight back with your words by writing an Op-Ed and submitting it for feedback and review by DFA’s Op-Ed Review Committee.

Your generous donation directly powers the work we do to advance health equity nationwide. Every gift helps fund fly-in programs that bring clinicians and students to Washington, DC, to advocate directly with lawmakers on critical healthcare policy issues, as well as the educational training and community outreach initiatives that strengthen local health systems across all 50 states. By supporting our mission, you're investing in the next generation of healthcare advocates and helping ensure that every community has a voice in shaping the policies that affect its health and wellbeing.