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Health Care Advocacy and You
Although you are just beginning residency, you can still consider opportunities for electives or internships with advocacy organizations. Linking with these organizations can feel like a lifeline in the during the seemingly endless days and nights of hospital work. Many advocates began their interest in advocacy during their medical school or residency years. James Orbinski, in his book "An Imperfect Offering", writes of his time as a medical student as being instrumental in forming his interest in Medecins sans Frontieres. In this book he eloquently discusses the importance of advocacy when one has witnessed the suffering of others. Orbinski reinforced this message when giving the keynote address at the 2010 ACP (American College of Physicians) meeting in Toronto. He spoke about equity in health care and the need for physicians to take effective action.