Dr. Rick Snyder, M.D., F.A.C.C. Chairman of the HeartPlace Political Action Committee
In order to be true advocates for our patients, HeartPlace is actively involved in health care political advocacy. This involvement in the political side of medicine was born from the realization that we as physicians will have almost as much impact on the care we provide our patients in the legislative chambers as in the examination room. Health care today is a highly charged politicized industry. We already have more medicines and therapies than our health care system can afford. Everyone is well aware about the ever increasing costs and regulated nature of health care. Big government is more and more interjecting itself into the health care decisions that were once solely made between the physician and the patient.
The reality is that the decisions concerning the access to health care, the tests and therapies we provide, will be every bit political in nature as they are scientific and evidence based. We as physicians feel a need to be involved in this political process, have a seat at the table if you will. By doing so we ensure that the old adage, “the physician as true patient advocate” is not merely words, but a vital role we play in helping to preserve our patients access to the highest quality of care possible.
In order to meet this challenge, HeartPlace physicians are actively involved in the political process at both the state and national levels. HeartPlace formed several years ago two political action committees, one each at the state and federal level, HeartPlacePAC, and HeartPlace Federal PAC. These committees help support legislative candidates who are dedicated to preserving access to care of the highest quality for our patients. HeartPlace, thru these committees, regularly participates in legislative activities not only around the D-FW Metroplex, but also in Austin and Washington D.C. At the state level, four HeartPlace physicians serve as Councilors on the Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology: Drs Bob Bret, Kevin Wheelan, Mike Ferry, and Shelley Hall. All of the state’s Councilors meet monthly via a statewide teleconference to review the health care political landscape and plan action accordingly. Dr Rick Snyder serves as the President of the Texas Chapter and on the Board of Governors of the American College of Cardiology located in Washington D.C. The HeartPlace Legislative Committee works with our elected officials to inform and educate them concerning the health care delivery enviornment and the impact certain legislative actions will have on our patients. If you should have any questions concerning HeartPlace’s involvement in healthcare political advocacy or how you may get involved, ask your HeartPlace physician or visit the Contact Us section of our web site. You will also find in the Helpful Links section, some very informative links to Governmental and legislative sites at both the State and Federal levels. Thank You.
