The final day of ACEP’s 2026 Leadership & Advocacy Conference took place in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, April 28, with emergency physicians heading to Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. Monika Pitzele, MD, and Will Sharp, MD, shared why showing up in person matters; Sydni Williams, MD, and Allison Young, MD, reflect on their first time visiting with legislators; and ACEP President Tony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, talks about relationship-building with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and explains why ongoing engagement with elected officials is essential.

Day 2 of ACEP's Leadership & Advocacy Conference took place in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 27. Bradley Uren, MD, FACEP, emphasizes the importance of telling stories and the goal of meeting with legislators; Rep. Timothy Reader, MD, FACEP, explains what he's learned serving in the North Carolina state legislature; First Lady of Delaware Lauren Meyer, MD, describes what it takes to be an elected official; and David Wilcox, MD, FACEP, has attended all 39 LAC meetings.

Rep. Tim Reeder, MD, FACEP

Contact: tim@drtimreeder.com

Day 1 of ACEP's Leadership & Advocacy Conference took place in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 26. ACEP President Tony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, and President-Elect Ryan Stanton, MD, FACEP, discuss their views on leading the organization; Rep. Arvind Venkat, MD, FACEP, shares what it means to be the only physician in the Pennsylvania General Assembly; and Joseph Leary, DO, MPH, explains how physician advocates should approach meetings with legislators.

ACEP Frontline