The basic definition of an advocate is that it is someone who actively supports a cause, policy or idea. An ASDSA advocate acts on pieces of legislation, initiatives, or propositions which directly affects the patients safety or dermatologic surgeons scope of practice. When supporting or opposing a piece of legislation or regulation it is important to contact your state representative to voice your opinion by letter, fax, email message, phone call, or face-to-face meeting.
Anyone can be an advocate. You don't have to be an expert in governmental affairs. Just share your knowledge about dermatologic surgery. Inform your elected officials about the ASDSA patient safety campaign. How ASDSA has seen an explosion of unqualified, inadequately supervised individuals using lasers, light and radiofrequency devices to perform cosmetic procedures and acne therapy; administering chemical peels; and injecting Botox and filler substances. Tell them how these procedures are performed in non-medical settings including spas and salons, malls, hotel rooms and even private homes. Include telling them that because such procedures are mistakenly viewed as uncomplicated and easy to perform - and often priced below a physician's fee - their popularity continues to increase as does the number of patients being injured and scarred by non-physicians.
To have a strong voice in state government you have to be active all year round. Election time is not the only time you should be involved in the political process. Organizations who have the most success at the state level are also the groups who are the most visible. If you want to pass a bill, defeat a bad bill or have legislators contact you for advice on health issues you need to be proactive.
Tips on how to become an advocate are in the Volunteering and Building Relationships (ASDS Members Only) sections of the Web site. Please refer to these sections to read about suggestions you can follow on how to develop a relationship with state legislators.