ISMA Physician Advocacy Week at the Indiana Statehouse, March 13-16, is an opportunity for physicians, medical students and society staff to connect with their legislators and share important information on legislative proposals that impact the practice of medicine in the Hoosier State.

Registration is required to attend the ISMA Day at the Statehouse on March 15. Refer to the full schedule below, which will be updated in the weeks leading up to March 13.

REGISTER NOW >>
   Monday
March
13


      Welcome to Physician Advocacy Week

Participants will receive a packet of advocacy materials, including tips for communicating with legislators, information about the legislative process, how to schedule a meeting, and background and talking points on pressing legislative topics.

Email your legislators

Use your advocacy materials and clinical experience to introduce yourself and discuss the importance of ISMA legislative priorities. State legislators want to hear from their constituents, especially those who know firsthand the impact of potential legislation on the practice of medicine. Watch for an alert from ISMA complete with talking points and instructions on how to connect with your state legislators.
 
   
  Tuesday
March
14		     'Call your legislator' phone blitz
Call your legislators’ offices in the Statehouse to share your thoughts on ISMA’s priority bills. Consistent, ongoing communication on legislative topics is important to educating lawmakers about important pieces of legislation and, more broadly, about issues affecting the practice of medicine.

 
 
   
  Wednesday
March
15














      ISMA Day at the Statehouse

Put on your white coat and join us at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis for a day of advocacy on behalf of your profession and your patients! There will be opportunities to work with your colleagues, to meet with legislators, and advocate for the practice of medicine. If you plan to attend, please REGISTER HERE to help staff know how many to expect and allow us to schedule a legislator visit if you are interested in doing so. ISMA will provide lunch and all the materials you need to be a strong advocate! 

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.





 
   Indiana State Library
History Reference Room 211
Enter through the Ohio Street door.

Introduction and advocacy training/briefing
Light breakfast, coffee and water provided. 
 10:30 a.m.



   Walk to Statehouse
* If not attending breakfast, the Statehouse address is
200 W. Washington Street
 
 10:45 a.m.


   Group photo
 4th floor staircase (southwest end) at Statehouse
 11:00 a.m.


   Lunch provided
3rd Floor Atrium near Room 336
 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.






     Meet with legislators and attend relevant committee meetings. 
  • Attendees may depart, if necessary.
  • ISMA staff will coordinate with legislators’ offices to set up meetings.
  • Physicians will be escorted to their legislators in their districts by staff.
  • ISMA staff will advise members on relevant committee meetings.

 
Logistics  
Breakfast
Meet at History Reference Room 211 of the Indiana State Library, 315 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46202.
Enter through the Ohio Street door.

Walking to the Statehouse
The State Library is next door to the Statehouse; ISMA staff will direct attendees to the public entrance on the ground floor. Both the State Library and Statehouse ground floor entrances are accessible.

Legislator meetings

  • ISMA will coordinate with legislative offices of attendees who RSVP.
  • Advance notice increases the chance your legislator will be available. We may be able to schedule brief same-day meetings.
Attire
Wear professional attire, including your white coat, if possible. However, any employer labels and logos on white coats must be covered. ISMA will provide name badges that serve this purpose.

Parking
Parking is available at many locations near the Statehouse; hourly and daily rates vary.
For more about parking options, visit here.   

 
 
   
 

Thursday
March
16

     Stay connected

Building and maintaining relationships with lawmakers is critical to ensuring Indiana remains a great place to practice medicine. Advocacy is not something you do in addition to your practice. Rather, advocacy is part of your practice. Take the lessons learned and connections made during Physician Advocacy Week and continue building relationships with your local lawmakers.

Use the Find Your Legislator tool on the Indiana General Assembly website to find contact information for your state senator and state representative at any time.

ISMA staff stands ready to assist you with scheduling, talking points, or other resources you need to stay connected. Please contact advocacy@ismanet.org with questions!