Becoming An Advocate: Moving from Outrage to Outreach-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In a moderated session led by Dr. Dionne Hart, a group of panelists comprising leading psychiatrists discussed the critical transition from outrage to outreach in advocacy, particularly within the psychiatric field. The session underscored the prevalence of systemic issues that evoke moral outrage among psychiatrists, many of whom lack the necessary training in advocacy for structural change. Participants were provided with a framework for promoting policy changes that better serve the needs of patients, particularly those structurally oppressed and socially disadvantaged.<br /><br />Panelists shared practical experiences and introduced attendees to advocacy strategies, such as crafting elevator speeches and engaging effectively with legislators. The session emphasized the importance of understanding advocacy as a set of skills that can be learned, much like clinical practices during residency. It highlighted how advocacy, when rooted in passion and coupled with collaboration, negotiation, and communication skills, can lead to meaningful change.<br /><br />Dr. Catherine Kennedy, Dr. Catherine Pano, and Dr. Jaslene Chatwell shared insights from their advocacy journeys, including experiences with mental health parity, scope of practice legislation, and the decriminalization of fentanyl test strips. They argued for the importance of building bipartisan relationships, the power of perseverance, and creative problem-solving in advocacy efforts. The session concluded with practical exercises for crafting effective elevator pitches and encouraged ongoing engagement in advocacy to combat burnout and effect positive change in healthcare systems.

Keywords

advocacy

psychiatry

Dr. Dionne Hart

systemic issues

policy change

structural oppression

elevator speeches

legislators

mental health parity

fentanyl test strips

bipartisan relationships

burnout prevention

healthcare systems