Advocacy
AMA National Advocacy Conference Recap
Marzena Buzanowska, MD, MHA, FACHE
River City Sports & Spine Specialists Columbus, GA
From February 23-25, members of the NASS Advocacy Committee participated in the 2026 AMA National Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, joining forces with the American Medical Association (AMA) and other specialty societies to discuss the most pressing issues facing health care providers and millions of patients.
With the AMA’s support, our dedicated NASS representatives—R. Dale Blasier, MD, Gregory Przybylski, MD, Ronald Karnaugh, MD, and myself — gained valuable knowledge from keynote lectures to pass along to NASS membership, had impactful conversations with members of Congress, and interacted with leaders from key federal agencies such as the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Together, we worked to raise awareness about the challenges impacting our health care system and advocate for lasting change.
Here are some highlights from this three-day event.
Day 1
It was a high-energy afternoon in Washington, DC, as physicians and health care leaders gathered for the AMA National Advocacy Conference, where policy, politics, and personal conviction collided in real time.
Opening the session, John Whyte, the American Medical Association’s CEO, delivered a message emphasizing reassurance and resolve. He reminded attendees that the AMA, remains a consistent and influential presence on Capitol Hill. Advocacy work can feel daunting—often incremental and at times insufficient—but, he emphasized, it is making a measurable difference.