Speak Up for Your Specialty: Join Project 535

Do you want to play a more active role in the Academy’s advocacy efforts? Are you worried that physicians’ voices, particularly those of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons, are not being heard in Washington? Join Project 535 and serve as an Academy “key contact” for your members of Congress.

January 3 marked the start of the 119th United States Congress. As Washington is already underway with a new legislative session, the Academy’s Legislative Advocacy team reminds AAO-HNS members that your participation is essential in ensuring that the voices of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons are heard on Capitol Hill.

In 2015, the AAO-HNS Board of Governors launched Project 535, a grassroots advocacy program designed to provide an avenue for AAO-HNS members to directly connect with legislators on issues that impact otolaryngology.

Project 535 seeks to enhance the Academy’s outreach to federal legislators when major healthcare issues are debated in Congress by recruiting an AAO-HNS member to serve as a “key contact” for each seat in the U.S. Senate and House—535 total members. Key contacts engage with their members of Congress in two ways:

1. Contact Members of Congress via phone or email, urging them to support or oppose specific legislation.
2. Meet with Legislators and Staff in Washington, DC, in their district offices, or virtually.

The 119th Congress presents both unique challenges and opportunities. With a change in party control and new leadership, congressional priorities will shift. Physicians can play a pivotal role in guiding decisions related to physician reimbursement, prior authorization reform, and access to care.

This connection between healthcare professionals and lawmakers is the cornerstone of effective healthcare advocacy, shaping policies that affect patient care and the future of medicine. New members of Congress are eager to hear from their constituents, and incumbent members rely on trusted voices like yours to influence their decisions.

Together, we can shape policies that protect the patients we serve and advance the field of otolaryngology. We hope you’ll join us in this important work. Click here to join Project 535 today.

For questions, contact the Academy’s Legislative Advocacy team: govtaffairs@ent.net.