ISMA Physician Advocacy Training Retreat
Accredited for up to 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
May 16 - 17, 2025
In-person at The Westin Indianapolis
Registration is
required and restricted to ISMA members only.
Capacity is limited to the first 25 registrants.
Fee: $300
Program Description:
The first-ever ISMA Physician Advocacy Training Retreat is tailored to develop and strengthen members' advocacy skills through an engaging and intensive two-day experience. Designed to prepare physicians to advocate effectively for themselves and their patients at both state and federal levels, this retreat blends rigorous training with an enjoyable atmosphere.
Traditionally, the full training program runs annually from October through May in a hybrid format. The advocacy retreat condenses this programming into a two day in-person event, scheduled for May 16–17 at The Westin in downtown Indianapolis.
The retreat is open to all ISMA members. Registration is $300 and includes meals.
The deadline to register for the event is Sunday, May 11. P The traditional Advocacy Training Program will still be held in 2025-2026 for those wishing to complete the full hybrid program.
Experience the inner workings of Indiana’s legislative process firsthand when we kick off the program with an exclusive tour of the Statehouse. Other topics that will be covered include how policy is made in Indiana, the anatomy of the federal and state legislatures, how to track bills, how to write a resolution for the ISMA House of Delegates, self-awareness and self-management when meeting with legislators, and how to prepare for meetings with policymakers.
FRI. MAY 16
SESSION ONE
4 p.m. Indiana Statehouse Tour
5:30 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7 p.m. Physician Advocacy Fundamentals
Presenter:Grant Achenbach, JD
- Understand how policy is made in Indiana.
- Explain the anatomy of the federal and state legislatures.
- Describe how to track bills.
SAT. MAY 17
SESSION TWO
8 - 9 a.m. Physician Advocacy Essentials
Presenter: Grant Achenbach, JD
- Know how physicians can participate in the legislative process.
- Prepare to educate and establish creditability before constituent engagement.
- Review ISMA grassroots efforts through the “Action Center."
SESSION THREE – PART I
9 – 10 a.m. Building Relationships with Legislators
Presenter: Pete Friedmann, Friedmann Communications, Inc.
- Discuss effective methods for building relationships and communicating with legislators.
- Understand each methodology to determine which option best suits their goals, and how to start a dialogue.
- Know how to prepare for meetings with policymakers.
BREAK: 10 - 10:15 a.m.
SESSION THREE – PART II
10:15 – 11:45 a.m. Building Relationships with Legislators
Presenter: Pete Friedmann, Friedmann Communications, Inc.
- Describe best practices in meetings with policymakers.
- Evaluation and execution of appropriate follow-up to meetings with policymakers.
- Role-play a practice meeting.
LUNCH: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
SESSION FOUR
12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Physician Advocacy Prioritization and Strategy
Presenter: Grant Achenbach, JD
- Know how to identify and analyze problems or issues
- Know how to Identify an appropriate policy solution
- Assess and prioritize policy options
- Define strategies for getting policies enacted and implemented
SESSION FIVE
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Overcome Challenges During the Legislative Session
Presenter: Lou Belch
- Understand challenges that arise during the legislative session, such as addressing opposition testimony and handling controversial topics or fiscal impact.
BREAK: 2:30 - 2:45 p.m.
SESSION SIX
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Working with Media, Public Speaking and Running for Office
Presenter: Robert Vane
- Learn ethical physician conduct in the media.
- Discuss leveraging different media tactics to drive conversions, strategies for public speaking.
- Introduce the steps needed to plan to run for public office.
3:45 – 4 p.m. Wrap-up
Presenter: ISMA Government Relations Staff
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS
The Westin Indianapolis
241 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(There is no room block available. Reservations can be made directly by booking at Westin Hotels & Resort.)
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown
414 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
A group room block has been reserved with a special room rate of $179 per night (plus tax). The Hampton Inn is conveniently located next to the ISMA headquarters, with free parking available on-site at ISMA. Reservations can be made directly by booking at Hampton Inn.
The reservation cut-off date is Wednesday, April 16. Unreserved rooms will be released and will be subject to availability thereafter.
CME INFORMATION
Designation Statement: The Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Accreditation Statement: The Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Disclosure Policy: In accordance with The Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, educational programs sponsored by the ISMA must demonstrate balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. Prior to the activity, all faculty, authors, editors and planning committee members participating in an ISMA-sponsored activity are required to disclose to attendees any financial relationships with an “ineligible company” whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Disclosure Statement: There are no relevant financial relationships with an ineligible company to identify, mitigate or disclose because the content of this activity is non-clinical in nature.
If you have questions, contact ISMA Continuing Medical Education staff at 800-257-4762 or seminars@ismanet.org.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET