The Indiana-ACC provided travel stipends for some Indiana-ACC members who attended. Here are their reflections of the experience:

Kelly Carlson, MD
Physicians are in a unique position in society as we are exposed to the intimate relationship between the social, economic and biologic aspects of medicine and the ultimate impact this has on patient care. One of my biggest frustrations in my career is understanding the biologic and pharmacologic answers without he ability to provide accessible care to my patients. This conference gave me new confidence and energy in overcoming some of these setbacks as a reminder that not only am I a voice for my patient at the bedside, but I can be that voice in different arenas as well. As a first time attendee of the conference as well as ACC, I was encouraged by the number of fellow cardiology caregivers from various backgrounds, all there as advocates for their patients and all with the end goal. The ACC Legislative Conference was energizing and has definitely made me feel more active in my patients’ care from a different angle with a role I hope to continue.

Kristen Combes, MSN, ANP-BC
I was a first time attendee of the annual ACC Legislative Conference held September 11-13 in Washington DC. My sincere thanks to the Indiana ACC for awarding me this stipend to attend representing CVT members in Indiana. As with all ACC events, this event was no different in that it afforded me the opportunity to connect with past and present colleagues, as well as network with other CVT members from across the county while learning and advocating for legislative changes impacting both patients and clinicians alike. I was able to attend an event on healthcare policy, as well as learning the important role of advocacy and how it relates to best practices in cardiovascular care. Our group of cardiologists, cardiology fellows, and nurse practitioners visited Indiana legislators on Capitol Hill to advocate for three pertinent issues in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
First, advocating for additional funding for medical research and health initiatives by the NIH, CDC, and FDA. Second, that CMS would work with specialty societies to assure that implementation of MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act) does not interfere with high quality of care provided to cardiovascular patients. We proposed that changes be phased in over time to facilitate meaningful data reporting and measures. Lastly, consideration of a bill to expand cardiac rehabilitation by allowing nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise and facilitate cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs remain essential to prevent future cardiovascular events, reduce hospital admissions, as well as promote and support necessary lifestyle modification. This legislation would allow such programs to be available to patients in both rural and urban areas. Overall, this experience exceeded my expectations, and I learned a great deal about how these issues impact both patient care and the daily operations of cardiovascular practice alike.

Jon Hassel, MD
This is my second time going to the ACC Legislative Conference, and I feel that I got even more out of it.  It is truly a great experience to go to Washington and interact with cardiologists from across the nation and represent Indiana ACC.  Healthcare is changing and will continue to change for many years to come so it is important to have an active role in the process now.   The conference provides a great overview of ACC’s political mission, an overview of the CMS changes and a chance to lobby our members of Congress.  I am so thankful to Indiana ACC for the chance to participate.

Benjamin Maatman, MD
Without any prior experience in the political world, I was not sure what to expect coming into the 2016 ACC Legislative conference in Washington, D.C. It was a great experience; I met other cardiologists who are passionate about and involved in advocacy, learned about the current issues most important to us as a professional and political group and participated in the process of delivering our message to the congressional members on Capitol Hill. It is very important that cardiologists as a professional group understand and are involved the political world and this was a great opportunity to get early hands on experience. Meeting other cardiologists in different stages of their careers and levels of involvement in government was invaluable as well.

Kristen Mennen BS, RN
I had the pleasure of attending the American College of Cardiology 2016 Legislative Conference. This year, I certainly felt the long amount of time that can pass, as the College brings their “asks” to Capitol Hill and congressmen and congresswomen work towards change. Change in government is a lengthy process! While the SGR has been replaced with MACRA, we must still encourage our congressmen to work with CMS and medical societies, such as the ACC to coordinate a smooth transition. I think the upcoming presidential election was on everyone’s mind this year. I particularly enjoyed the presentation on the Political Landscape. Depending on the outcome of the presidential election, we learned how each could affect the House and Senate. Thank you once again for this opportunity.

Isabelle Marie Skurka, DNP, APN, ANP-BC, AACC
Who are the leaders in cardiovascular health throughout the world? Many of them are right here in Indiana. The Indiana ACC Chapter leaders have been instrumental in this every changing healthcare environment. Through the leadership of Dr. Raymond Dusman, President, Indiana Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Mary Norine Walsh, President Elect, American College of Cardiology, and the overall coordination and efforts of Gwen Goldfarb, the ACC Indiana Chapter has been an extremely influential role not only in Washington DC, but throughout the world. It was an honor to meet pivotal members of the Indiana ACC Chapter whom are not only expert clinicians, leaders and mentors, but also pivotal change agents. Through their leadership and mentoring, I want to become more involved in my ACC Indiana Chapter. The ACC 2016 Legislative Conference is essential to be attended by at least one cardiologist and CVT member from every practice. It was astounding to see how many attendees did not understand the ramifications of MACRA 101. In addition, led by great ACC Indiana Chapter mentors, it was an honor to meet our respective Congressional leaders. It is a critical era in cardiovascular health with so much to be done. Global healthcare development is imperative including high quality cardiovascular health for all. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have collaborated to set goals in order to prevent cardiovascular; improve the management of individuals who have these diseases through professional education and research; and develop guidelines, standards, and policies that promote optimal patient care and cardiovascular health, resulting in improved patient care outcomes. Unfortunately, Northwest Indiana cardiologists and cardiovascular team members are not actively involved with the ACC Indiana Chapter. Hopefully, I can be instrumental in encouraging their participation. I have already begun to converse with my cardiologist and their respective CVT members. As healthcare providers, let us all take the challenge, engage in the conversation, and construct the change to make a difference toward a healthier population, also known as “Population Health.”