LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Advocacy Newsletter, AZ chapter American College of Surgeons, Spring 2025 b Sarah Lee-Davisson MD, Advocacy Chair

GET STARTED RIGHT AWAY

You may ask, “who still reads newspapers and letter to the editor?” The answer is lots of the public (who we do need to understand the problems in healthcare and hear our perspective) AND legislative staffers, who note what constituents are saying and getting involved in. These letters are monitored by our elected officials.

Q: How do I technically write the letter?

A: As most things, the answer is usually online. Just go to the website of whatever local or state paper you want your letter in, and follow the instructions there.

Here are some basic guidelines. Start with an attention grabbing title or first sentence. Be clear about what this letter is about and why it is important. Paint a picture of the landscape we see everyday. Make a suggestion or critique. And then call others to action (public or legislators!). I find that giving people room to reflect and permission to consider alternatives to what they previously thought, rather than shaming or trying to humiliate others, is most effective. Remember to stay on point as usually you are limited to about 200-250 words.

Q: What do I write about?

A: You can write about anything. When are days are so busy, it can be hard to pause when something profound happens and take note. We compartmentalize well as

surgeons, but truly we see and do amazing things everyday. If something moves you emotionally, or makes you angry, just jot it down and re-visit that later. Any appropriate (obviously no identifying information) story that can be persuasive or educational to the public about the issues facing healthcare is good material.

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“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time.  But if you come because your liberation is bound to mine, then let us work together” -Lilla Watson

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Q: What are some ways to amplify the impact of my letter?

A:  Write a letter related to a recent story that has been published by the paper or is already getting tons of media attention.

A:  Send a copy of the letter to the legislator with a personal note expanding on why you wrote it!  You won’t be limited by a word count in a personal letter. 

A:  You can also post it on your socials to reach more people, again with some additional comments about why you wrote it.

A:  Make a follow up appointment with your legislator office to talk more about the issue.

A:  Send a copy of your letter to the organized medicine groups you are involved in so that they know what is being done by their members and what is important to us.