WSMA Medical Student and Resident Advocacy Program

Dear Colleagues,

I am thrilled to share with you all a new program from your WSMA for Washington state's physicians-in-training: the WSMA Medical Student and Residency Advocacy Program.

In addition to my roles as a primary care internal medicine physician and WSMA’s vice president, I have been deeply involved in the medical education of both students and residents. I know firsthand that many of our future physicians are eager to gain a deeper understanding of how to advocate for their patients beyond the clinic walls and in our communities.

Health care advocacy is an essential part of our professional responsibility. The policies shaped in Olympia and Washington, D.C. have a direct impact on the care we deliver and the lives of our patients. From access to affordable care and addressing workforce shortages to protecting public health and advancing health equity, advocacy ensures that the physician's voice is heard where decisions are made. Yet, for many early-career physicians, the path to effective advocacy is not always clear.

That’s why I’m especially excited about this new program. Led by the experienced legislative advocates at the WSMA, it is designed to equip medical students and residents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to be powerful advocates—not just for their profession, but for their patients and communities. Whether in legislative halls, health systems, or local communities, advocacy is a skill set that amplifies our impact as physicians.

I encourage you to share this program with students and residents in your circles who are eager to grow as leaders and change agents in medicine.

Sincerely,
Matthew Hollon, MD, MPH, FACP
WSMA Vice President

About the Program

WSMA’s Medical Student and Resident Advocacy Program is a unique opportunity to develop an understanding of Washington’s legislative process and issues important to the physician community. This includes learning how to be an effective advocate, engaging directly with legislators, and visiting the state Capitol for a Lobby Day.

The program will start in December 2025 and end in March 2026. There will be two to three virtual meetings in advance of the legislative session. During the legislative session, the program will meet regularly over Zoom and culminate with an in-person Lobby Day at the state Capitol. Following the completion of the program, participants will be awarded a certificate by the WSMA.

Help us spread the word: Download the course flyer and distribute in your program or setting.

If you have any questions, contact the WSMA at 206.441.9762 or email Malorie Toman at malorie@wsma.org.

Instructors

Members of WSMA’s full-time government affairs team will be your instructors for the medical student and resident advocacy program.

Sean Graham
WSMA Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs

Alex Wehinger
WSMA Associate Director of Legislative Advocacy

Malorie Toman
WSMA Lobbyist

Schedule

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Meeting 1: Washington State Legislature 101 (1 hour, 5:30 p.m., virtual)

The three branches of government, how a bill becomes a law, key legislators, and more.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Meeting 2: How To Be an Advocate (1 hour, 5:30 p.m., virtual)

How to contact your legislators’ office, testifying before a committee, developing relationships with your legislators, and more.

Wednesday, Jan. 7

Meeting 3: Legislative Issues (1 hour, 5:30 p.m., virtual)

Issues of importance to the physician community, including health care workforce, administrative burden, scope of practice, and more.

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Meeting 4: Legislator Perspective (1 hour, 5:30 p.m., virtual)

After identifying specific legislation to look at in more depth, participants will get a closer look at the issue from a legislator’s perspective.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Meeting 5: State Agency Perspective (1 hour, 5:30 p.m., virtual)

After identifying legislation to look at in more depth, participants will get a closer look at the issue from a state agency’s perspective.

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Meeting 6: Stakeholder Perspective (1 hour, 5:30 p.m., virtual)

After identifying legislation to look at in more depth, participants will get a closer look at the issue from the perspective of various stakeholders.

Wednesday, March 4

Meeting 7: Lobby Day (6 hours, in person)

Participants will have the chance to visit the state Capitol, listen in on floor action or legislative committees, meet with legislators, and more.