Much like Dr. Kozak, Dr. Newgard said he reached out to Rep. Schrader to establish a relationship and inform the congressman of today’s critical emergency medicine issues.

“We wanted to put emergency medicine on his radar and form the foundation for an ongoing dialogue with his office,” said Dr. Newgard. “Key for me was dispelling some of the myths that are commonly cited in the media to make sure that he is armed with accurate information and will hopefully represent us better as a result of that.”

The visit made an impact on Rep. Schrader. “I was extremely impressed with OHSU’s methods of providing the most efficient and effective health care possible,” said Rep. Schrader. “I was also surprised to learn that, despite popular belief, 92% of the 124 million people who visit U.S. emergency departments every year have conditions that require care within 2 hours, yet emergency care entails less than 2% of the nation’s health care expenditures. As lawmakers, it is important for us to realize the extraordinary work our health care professionals are doing every day.”

Dr. Wes Brewer, chairman of Kentucky ACEP’s Government Affairs Committee, says the biggest advantage comes in hosting a congressperson on your “home turf.” “When we lobby these folks in Washington or call their office and leave a message with their staff, it’s just not the same thing as having them in your emergency room,” said Dr. Brewer, who hosted Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) at University of Louisville Hospital.

Rep. Yarmuth’s visit was so successful that he asked to shadow an emergency medicine attending during the physician’s night shift. “It was enlightening for me to see just how much difference it made having the congressman here on our turf,” said Dr. Brewer. “We could say the same thing in a much more powerful way with him here in the emergency department.”

Seeing the challenges that emergency physicians face firsthand allows Amanda Moninghoff, a member of Sen. Chris Coons’ (D-Del.) staff, to perform her job with greater understanding. “I recently toured the emergency room at Christiana Care in Newark, Del. – it was an experience that not only allowed me to see the

latest technology, but it also gave me a glimpse into the ongoing challenge of ensuring physicians have the tools and skills to do their jobs with precision,” she said. “Seeing this firsthand means that I can give the senator a better perspective on the needs of our health care professionals, as well as the community that they serve.”