In 2022, Dr. Reeder was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, securing a narrow victory that underscored the impact of physician advocacy at the state level. His platform included a focus on health care policy, Medicaid expansion, and hospital workforce protections, all informed by his firsthand experience in emergency medicine. One of Dr. Reeder’s legislative successes is the Hospital Violence Protection Act, which mandates collecting and reporting data on violence toward health care workers and requiring a sworn law enforcement officer at every hospital with an emergency department. He credits his advocacy for bringing attention to workplace safety issues that might otherwise have been overlooked.

Additionally, he has worked on initiatives related to mental health funding, Medicaid expansion, and opioid crisis management. His knowledge of emergency department operations allows him to advocate effectively for policies that improve patient care and physician working conditions.

Breaking Barriers: Physicians as Advocates

Dr. Reeder’s advocacy extends beyond policy; he is committed to educating physicians on how to engage effectively in legislative affairs. He frequently speaks at medical conferences, challenging his peers to abandon the mindset that policy is someone else’s responsibility.

Physicians, he asserts, often assume that hospital administrators or professional organizations will handle advocacy. However, he warns that this passive approach cedes influence to other stakeholders, including insurance companies and non-physician lobbying groups. “If we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” he quips, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement.

To facilitate this, he promotes initiatives like White Coat Wednesdays, where physicians visit the state legislature to discuss pressing health care issues. He also encourages doctors to invite lawmakers into their clinical settings, allowing them to witness firsthand the challenges of emergency medicine, such as ED boarding, limited resources, and administrative burdens like prior authorization.

Overcoming Apathy and Resistance

Despite the clear benefits of advocacy, many physicians remain disengaged. Dr. Reeder confronts this reluctance directly, often using blunt humor to challenge excuses. He dismisses the common claim that physicians are too busy to vote or contribute financially, arguing that prioritizing advocacy is a professional responsibility. “Because I am part of the physician tribe, I can call them lazy,” he says.

As Dr. Reeder continues his tenure in the North Carolina House of Representatives, he remains committed to strengthening physician advocacy. Future legislative priorities include prior authorization reform, expanding mental health services, and addressing health care workforce shortages. He also aims to streamline the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, making it easier for physicians to practice across state lines.