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Gaining National Insight to Support MSMS Advocacy Goals in 2026

News & Media

Gaining National Insight to Support MSMS Advocacy Goals in 2026

As Lansing gradually returned to a full legislative following the holiday break, MSMS used this time strategically to gain—and share—valuable insights from colleagues across the country. Participation in the American Medical Association (AMA) State Advocacy Summit provided a timely opportunity to learn how other states are navigating similar policy challenges and to bring those perspectives back to inform our advocacy efforts in Michigan.

At the invitation of the AMA, Kate Dorsey, MSMS Director of Government Relations, attended the recent State Advocacy Summit as a presenter and participant. MSMS physician members in attendance included:  

  • Michael D. Chafty, MD, JD, Member, AMA Council on Legislation, Delegate on the Michigan Delegation to the AMA, and former Member, MSMS Board of Directors
  • Cheryl Gibson-Fountain, MD, AMA ACOG Delegation and MSMS Past President
  • Aliya Hines, MD, PhD, Chair, State Policy Committee, American Academy of Dermatology Association and Alternate Delegate on the Michigan Delegation to the AMA
  • Nita Kulkarni, MD, Co-Chair and Delegate, AMA ACOG Delegation, and Member, MSMS Board of Directors
  • Bobby Mukkamala, MD, President, Board of Trustees, American Medical Association, and MSMS Past President
  • Brad Uren, MD, Vice Chair, MSMS Board of Directors

The Summit provided an invaluable opportunity to engage deeply with national leaders and peers on the most pressing state-level policy challenges facing physicians and patients in 2026. The conference opened with a keynote address on innovation, artificial intelligence, and the future of patient care, setting a forward-looking tone for the entire summit. This session underscored how rapid technological change can be harnessed—and responsibly governed—to improve care delivery while highlighting the vital role physician advocates play in shaping AI’s integration within health systems. Throughout the first evening and next day, structured networking and question and answer sessions framed the broader policy environment across statehouses and emphasized the need for coordinated advocacy strategies.

The core of the summit focused on translating high-level policy priorities into actionable advocacy efforts. Sessions such as “State Policy and Politics: A View from the Statehouses” and “AI and State Policymakers” provided insight into how state lawmakers are approaching emerging issues, while targeted panels addressed implementation of pivotal federal health reforms at the state level, including marketplace and Medicaid changes under H.R. 1. A series of moderated discussions explored how organized medicine can build deeper trust with legislators, elevate the physician voice, and anticipate regulatory shifts that impact health care affordability and access.

Ms. Dorsey spoke on a panel during the “Your Care Is at Our Core” lunch-and-learn session. This session highlighted collaborative campaigns designed to strengthen physician reputations among policymakers and the public. MSMS has utilized this campaign with an advocacy focus and shared that perspective with attendees.

The summit also dedicated significant time to specific advocacy priorities that resonate across state medical societies. Panels on physician wellness, the corporate practice of medicine doctrine, substance use and mental health policy solutions, and state health insurance reforms illustrated the breadth of issues where physician advocacy is essential. The Michigan Legislature is currently considering several measures in each of these areas. Learning from other state medical associations about their legislative challenges and  successes helps to strengthen MSMS’s advocacy efforts, as well as provides staff with key contacts for future interactions. Several of the panelists included tips for enhancing  legislative partnerships and practical strategies for advancing state policy agendas. Serving legislators and physician-legislators in attendance emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships. They also stressed the importance of donating to political action committees, as all lawmakers are reliant on donated funds to be able to successfully run their campaigns. Overall, the Summit created a strong foundation for coordinated action in the coming year.

Upcoming In-District Events

For members looking to better connect with their state lawmakers, in-district events can be an easy access-point. Upcoming events can be found below:

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

  • Senator Stephanie Chang (D) Coffee Hours 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Detroit Main Library: 5201 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24

  • Senator Mary Cavanagh (D) Coffee Hours 11:30am to 1:00pm, State Senator Mary Cavanagh’s District Office: 17346 Lahser Rd. Detroit, MI 48219
  • Senator Mary Cavanagh (D) Coffee Hours 1:00pm to 2:00pm, State Senator Mary Cavanagh’s District Office: 17346 Lahser Rd. Detroit, MI 48219

MONDAY, JANUARY 26

  • Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Coffee Beanery, 4433 Old U.S. 23 in Brighton
  • Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Wixom Public Library, 49015 Pontiac Trail in Wixom
  • Senator John Cherry (D) Community Conversation 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Krapohl Senior Center: 5473 Bicentennial Dr G, Mt Morris Township, MI 48458
  • Representative Erin Byrnes (D) Community Conversation 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Dearborn Heights Libraries: 24602 Van Born Rd. Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
  • Senator Sarah Anthony (D) Coffee Hours 5:00pm to 6:00pm, Union Missionary Baptist Church: 500 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Lansing, MI 48915
  • Senator Rosemary Bayer (D) Coffee Hours 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Farmington Community Library: 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd. Farmington, MI 48334
  • Representatives Jason Hoskins (D) Community Conversation 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Southfield Public Library: 26300 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076. Special Guests: Senator Jeremy Moss (D) and Representatives Natalie Price (D) and Samantha Steckloff (D) 
  • Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D) Coffee Hours 5:00pm to 6:00pm, Fraser VFW Post 6691: 17075 Anita Ave, Fraser, MI 48026
  • Senator Kevin Hertel (D) Coffee Hours 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Atwater: 1175 Lakepointe St. Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

  • Senator Stephanie Chang (D) Coffee Hour 3:00pm to 4:00pm, Awafi Cafe: 9000 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

  • Representative Betsy Coffia (D) Office Hours 12:00pm-1:00pm, Leelanau County Governmental Center: 8527 E Government Center Dr. Suttons Bay, MI 49653
  • Senator John Cherry (D) Coffee Hours 10:00am to 11:00am, Flushing Senior Center: 106 Elm St. Flushing, MI 48433

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

  • Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Walled Lake City Hall, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake
  • Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour  11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Coffee Beanery, 4433 Old U.S. 23 in Brighton