The MSMS Advocacy Division works to ensure the voice of Michigan physicians is at the forefront when legislators, regulators, and insurers are considering actions that impact the profession, the physician-patient relationship, and the ability to deliver high quality health care. Below are highlights from March 2025.

1. MSMS hosted Advocacy Day, connecting physician members and legislators in twenty meetings. Messaging focused on physician burnout, recruitment and retention strategies, and the importance of physician-led care teams.
2. Dara Barrera, MSMS Director of Quality, Equity and Technology, was appointed to the Michigan Chronic Disease Registry Advisory Board as a representative for MSMS, serving a three-year term. She will provide perspectives on behalf of physicians and their practices that ensure the development of a robust chronic disease registry - capable of supporting evidence-based solutions to challenges in addressing chronic diseases throughout Michigan.
3. MSMS staff participated in seven legislative coalition meetings including the Opioid Stewardship Collaborative, CPAN, and Keep Michigan Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. Collaboration with other organizations on issues of mutual interest is an effective way to build consensus, increase visibility, and maximize advocacy resources.
4. The HIMSS national conference features more than 1,000 exhibitors and over 600 educational sessions on topics like AI, cybersecurity, public health, health equity, and digital transformation. As these rapidly evolving issues impact the practice of medicine, Dara Barrera attended the meeting representing MSMS. She serves as a past president for the Michigan Chapter of HIMSS, where she advocates on behalf of our members.
5. Payer advocacy efforts included meetings with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Molina, Priority Health, the Genesee County Medical Society Office Managers, and State Representative Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar).