| wsma-successfully-launches-medical-student-and-resident-advocacy-program | WSMA Successfully Launches Medical Student and Resident Advocacy Program | Leadership | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/Apr 30/wsma-successfully-launches-medical-student-and-resident-advocacy-program | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/april/2026-Medical-Student-and-Resident-Advocacy-Day-capitol-steps_v2-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="image of Medicare documents" /></div>
<h5>Apr. 30, 2026</h5>
<h2>WSMA Successfully Launches Medical Student and Resident Advocacy Program</h2>
<p>
The WSMA recently wrapped up the inaugural session of our newest program to support our state's physicians in training: the WSMA Medical Student and Residency Advocacy Program. It was a successful first year, providing medical students and residents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to be effective advocates for their profession and patients.
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The program started in December 2025 and ran for the duration of the 2026 legislative session, with participants regularly meeting virtually to learn about the basics on the Washington state Legislature, how a bill becomes a law, and how to engage in the WSMA's House of Delegates and along the campaign trail.
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<p>
Through the program, medical students and residents followed the progress of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2242&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2242</a>, WSMA priority legislation to preserve access to preventive services and vaccines, hearing from various stakeholders who were involved in crafting the policy and shepherding it through the legislative process to its final passage into law.
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<p>
The program culminated with an in-person advocacy day at the state Capitol in Olympia, where the WSMA hosted 20 participants from all three Washington state medical schools and multiple residency programs who traveled from as far as Spokane and as close as Olympia.
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<p>
The day was filled with multiple speakers, including the prime sponsor of the bill to ban noncompete agreements, Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle), and state agency leaders such as the CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, Ingrid Ulrey. Participants also had a chance to tour the state Capitol and meet with legislators while they took votes on the House and Senate floors.
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WSMA awarded medical students and residents with a certificate to include in their CV to commemorate their participation. We are grateful for their time and engagement and hope they continue to be lifelong advocates. Look for information about the 2027 WSMA Medical Student and Resident Advocacy Program to be shared later in the year.
</p>
</div> | 4/30/2026 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| ceo-rounds-apr-24-2026-your-opportunity-to-influence-the-physician-profession-and-patient-care | CEO Rounds: Apr. 24, 2026 - Your Opportunity to Influence the Physician Profession and Patient Care | Leadership | Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2026/ceo-rounds-apr-24-2026-your-opportunity-to-influence-the-physician-profession-and-patient-care | <div class="col-md-12">
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<img src="https://wsma.org/images/Newsletters/ceo-rounds/ceo-rounds-article-graphic-2025-1290x850px.png" class="pull-right" alt="CEO Rounds with Jennifer Hanscom, WSMA CEO graphic" />
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<h5>
Apr. 24, 2026
</h5>
<h2>
Your Opportunity to Influence the Physician Profession and Patient Care
</h2>
<p>
Jennifer Hanscom, WSMA CEO
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<p>
<em>"The WSMA means having an organization that solely focuses on our interests as physicians and advanced practice professionals ... Having a clinical voice in shaping the future of health care in Washington is key for us to get the best possible outcomes for our patients and communities as well as for our profession." - Hans P. Cassagnol, MD, WSMA trustee, from the May/June issue of WSMA Reports.</em>
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<p>
Leadership is a cornerstone of WSMA's strategic priorities and for good reason. As we work to influence and shape the future of the medical profession, strong physician leadership is essential. We've also heard clearly from our members that leadership development is one of the most valuable services we provide. That's why we remain committed to offering high-quality educational opportunities through our <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/physician_leadership/center-for-leadership-development.aspx">Center for Leadership Development</a> and annual <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/events/leadership_development_conference/wsma/events/ldc/leadership_development_conference.aspx">Leadership Development Conference</a> (registration is still open).
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<p>
At the WSMA, we believe deeply in the importance of physician leadership across all areas of medicine. Our guiding principle, <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/about_us/who_we_are/wsma/about/who_we_are/who-we-are.aspx">Physician Driven, Patient Focused</a>, reflects the vital role physicians play in navigating today's evolving health care landscape. Amid shifting policies, regulatory uncertainty, and the ongoing need to protect the physician-patient relationship, physician voices are more important than ever.
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<h4>Leadership positions now available at the WSMA</h4>
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If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact for both the profession and patients here in Washington, we encourage you to get involved with the WSMA. Our organization depends on engaged, thoughtful physician leaders to help represent and advance the interests of physicians and the communities they serve. We are looking for representation from all specialties and practice settings. Your voice and perspective matter.
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<p>
I invite you to consider stepping into a leadership role by nominating yourself or a colleague for a position on the WSMA board of trustees, executive committee, or as a delegate to the American Medical Association.
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<p>
You can find more information, including qualifications, current leadership, nomination materials, and required forms, <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/about_us/who_we_are/board-of-trustees/wsma/about/who_we_are/board-of-trustees.aspx">on our website</a>.
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A few key details about the nomination process:
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<ul>
<li>The WSMA Nominating Committee convenes in early June to develop a slate of candidates.</li>
<li>The final slate will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, Sept. 26–27 in Spokane.</li>
<li>The nomination deadline is Thursday, April 30. Additional nominations may be made from the floor during the meeting.</li>
</ul>
<p>
When considering potential nominees, we encourage you to reflect on the following qualities:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Well-informed and forward-thinking.</li>
<li>Committed to the future of the profession.</li>
<li>Dedicated to service above self-interest.</li>
<li>Experienced, enthusiastic, credible, and open-minded.</li>
<li>Able to prioritize WSMA's mission over personal agendas.</li>
<li>Prepared to grow into future leadership roles, including potential service as WSMA president.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have questions about serving in WSMA leadership, please <a href="mailto:jen@wsma.org">reach out to me</a> or WSMA President <a href="mailto:president@wsma.org">Bridget Bush, MD</a>. We'd love to hear from </p>
</div> | 4/24/2026 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| 2026-seattle-king-county-free-clinic-is-apr-23-26 | 2026 Seattle-King County Free Clinic is Apr. 23-26 | Leadership | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/April 10/2026-seattle-king-county-free-clinic-is-apr-23-26 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2026 Seattle-King County Free Clinic infographic" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/april/English-2026-Patient-Graphic.png" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>Apr. 10, 2026</h5>
<h2>2026 Seattle-King County Free Clinic is Apr. 23-26</h2>
<p>
The WSMA is proud again <a href="https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/partners/">to join the partners</a> of the Seattle/King County Clinic, the yearly health care event offering free dental, vision, and medical services to those in need. All are welcome to the three-day free clinic, which takes place in the Fisher Pavilion of the Seattle Center starting at 5:30 a.m. on April 23. All services are free, no ID is required, and interpreters are available.
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<p>
Volunteers still needed! Visit <a href="http://www.seattlecenter.org/volunteers">seattlecenter.org/volunteers</a> to see the list of clinical needs that exist or simply go to the volunteer registration page and see what openings are available. Thursday and Sunday are always good places to start.
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<p>
<strong>About the free clinic</strong>
<br />
Of the patients who seek services, approximately 95% are housed, 49% are insured, and only 36% are unemployed. As a recent <a href="https://seattlecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Big-Seattle-free-clinic-shows-the-gaps-in-our-health-care-system-_-Seattle-Times.pdf">Seattle Times op-ed</a> that featured the clinic shared, there are many reasons people may struggle to access or afford health care.
</p>
<p>
Help spread the word about the free clinic! Printable flyers, social media graphics, and suggested text are available at <a href="http://www.seattlecenter.org/patients">seattlecenter.org/patients</a>. The clinic's <a href="https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/faq/">FAQs</a> may also be a helpful resource. Stay connected to clinic updates by following them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SKCClinic/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seattlekingcountyclinic/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://linkedin.com/company/skcclinic">LinkedIn</a>.
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</div> | 4/10/2026 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |