The campaign trail is heating up for Indiana elections. What better time to get some training when it comes to advocacy? ISMA is opening registration for a new, comprehensive advocacy training program to equip physicians with the skills to effectively engage in policymaking at both the state and federal levels.

The ISMA Physician Advocacy Leadership Training Program, accredited for up to 10.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, will run from November 2026 through June 2027. Designed as a hybrid experience, the program blends asynchronous coursework, live virtual sessions and in-person training to offer a flexible yet rigorous curriculum for participants. 

Training schedule and access details:

• Physician Advocacy Fundamentals (Asynchronous)
  Self-paced online module; available upon program start 
• Advocacy Training Kickoff
  Nov. 10, 2026 | 6–7 p.m. ET | Zoom 
• Physician Advocacy Essentials (Asynchronous)
  Self-paced online module; completed between live sessions
• Building Relationships with Legislators
  Jan. 15, 2027 | 1–4 p.m. ET | In-person, Indiana Statehouse
• Writing a Resolution for the ISMA House of Delegates (Asynchronous)
  Self-paced online module
• Physician Advocacy Day at the Statehouse
  Date/time TBD | In-person, Indiana Statehouse
• Advocacy Prioritization and Strategy (Asynchronous)
  Self-paced online module
• Advocacy SITREP: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership (Asynchronous)
  Self-paced online module
• Overcoming Legislative Session Challenges
  April 16, 2027 | 12–1 p.m. ET | Zoom
• Advocacy Regroup and Legislative Update
  May 5, 2027 | 6–7 p.m. ET | Zoom
• Media, Public Speaking and Running for Office
  June 2027 (date TBD) | 6–7 p.m. ET | Zoom

Participation is limited to 25 ISMA members; registration is required, and the program fee is $250. The application portal will officially open at noon on Monday, April 20. The deadline to apply is Oct. 16.

The initiative reflects ISMA’s continued focus on strengthening physician voices in legislative and regulatory arenas. Participants will receive structured instruction on how policy is developed in Indiana, the structure of legislative bodies, and practical tools for tracking and influencing legislation.

Core components of the program include foundational training on advocacy principles, strategies for engaging with lawmakers and hands-on guidance in drafting resolutions for the ISMA House of Delegates. Physicians will also explore communication techniques, including how to build credibility with policymakers and navigate complex legislative discussions.

In-person training at the Indiana Statehouse will provide experiential learning opportunities, including role-playing exercises to simulate meetings with legislators. Additional sessions will address advocacy strategy, emotional intelligence in leadership and negotiation, and the navigation of challenges during the legislative session.

The program also incorporates broader leadership development topics such as media engagement, public speaking and considerations for physicians interested in running for public office.
Physicians interested in participating can contact CME and Member Relations Coordinator Michelle O'Rourke for additional information.

REGISTER NOW >>