Meeting with your member of Congress: A guide for dermatologists
Meetings with your elected officials don’t just happen in Washington, D.C. You can meet with your elected officials or their staff in their local district office or the office where you practice. This guide provides essential tips to ensure a smooth, productive visit that can build an impactful relationship.
Meeting resources
Print out these PDF resources to support you at your meeting:
Tips: Reference these tips when your meeting
Messaging guidance: Use this guidance to tell your story and effectively deliver your ask
Leave behind: Share this document during your meeting so you legislator has a record of your ask.
Schedule your meeting
Head to congress.gov/members/find-your-member and enter your address. This will provide you with options to contact your House Representative and two Senators. You should use your home address that is reflected in your voter registration.
Submit a request for an in-district meeting. Be sure to state clearly that you are a constituent and local dermatologist requesting an in-district meeting to discuss Medicare.
Follow up after 3 – 5 business days if you haven’t heard back. You can contact advocacypolicy@aad.org for help if you’re having trouble getting a response.
Notify the Academy and prepare
After requesting or scheduling your meeting, please COMPLETE THIS FORM, so the AADA staff can track the progress of meetings and help prepare you.
Once you click submit on the form, you will see a link to download briefing materials and talking points. If you still need materials or have any questions, please contact advocacypolicy@aad.org.
Contact advocacypolicy@aad.org to receive up-to-date briefing materials and talking points.
The AADA can also help put you in touch with fellow members who have experience with congressional meetings and who have volunteered to conduct quick 5 – 10 minute calls for preparation and advice.
During the meeting
On the day of the meeting, arrive 10 – 15 minutes early in professional business attire.
During the meeting, stay on topic. Focus on key dermatological issues, particularly Medicare, and end with a clear request for action. Do not discuss campaign donations or PAC contributions — this is strictly forbidden under federal ethics rules.
If the meeting is taking place in your practice, be mindful of patient privacy during photos by ensuring no patient information is visible.
Once the meeting is over, provide your business card (or other form of contact details) and any relevant materials.
After the meeting
Report to the AADA. Immediate feedback is critical, so contact advocacypolicy@aad.org to report meeting outcomes, staff reactions, and follow-ups.
Send a quick email thanking the legislator for their time, reiterating the call to action, expressing an eagerness to work together, and offering to serve as a resource.
Maintain communication with the legislator and their staff on relevant issues, and consider attending town halls to keep them informed on issues affecting dermatology.
