Advocacy University
Become a Formidable Advocate
About the Program
Physicians and physicians-in-training are uniquely qualified to educate lawmakers and inform healthcare legislation. However, while many physicians and physicians-in-training are interested in advocating for their patients and their profession, they are often unsure of where to begin.
To address this gap, the Arizona Medical Association has developed
ArMA's Advocacy University, a free educational session on physician advocacy exclusively for members. AU is your opportunity to get an in-depth look into the complex, nuanced world of healthcare legislation.
After graduating from Advocacy University, you'll have the insight, skills, and confidence to be a formidable advocate.
Exclusive Program
Limited to ArMA members
Free for Members
Member benefit at no extra cost
Virtual & In-person Sessions
Format rotates to fit your needs
Expert-led, Physician-focused
Developed & led by healthcare lobbyists
Enrollment Closed
Stay tuned for the next cohort of ArMA's Advocacy University, expected in Fall 2026. Members will be notified of enrollment opening via email. Not an ArMA member? Join today!
Join ArMA Today, Impact Healthcare Tomorrow
The Arizona Medical Association is the leading voice for the physician community at the Arizona State Capitol and beyond. By becoming a member, you drive efforts to address some of healthcare's largest issues, including access to care, insurance reform, public health, and more.
Course Curriculum
Course Deliverables
Participants who complete all three class sessions of ArMA's Advocacy University will receive:
- Invaluable skills and information to immediately apply to their advocacy efforts
- Insider information on healthcare advocacy, with a focus on Arizona's landscape
- A certificate of completion
- An invite to ArMA's Legislative Reception, an invite-only event
- Invitations to attend stakeholder meetings, legislative testimonies, and more
About the Instructor
This course is led by Amanda Sheinson, MBA, vice president of government affairs at ArMA. Amanda has over a decade of experience navigating Arizona's legislative landscape, which she employs to lead every aspect of ArMA's advocacy efforts. During her time at ArMA, Amanda has tracked more than 500 bills related to healthcare. Amanda's strategic approach to advocacy has resulted in the passage of legislation to expand breast cancer screening, physician well-being, and more. Her leadership has also directly protected physicians and their patients from harmful legislation, including dozens of dangerous scope expansion proposals.
More Information
Course Deliverables
Participants who complete all three class sessions of ArMA's Advocacy University will receive:
• Invaluable skills and information to immediately apply to their advocacy efforts
• Insider information on healthcare advocacy, with a focus on Arizona's unique landscape
• A certificate of completion
• An invite to ArMA's Legislative Reception, an invite-only event
• Qualification for ArMA's Ambassador Program
• Invitations to attend stakeholder meetings, legislative testimonies, and more
Course Curriculum
This course is designed for physicians, residents, fellows, and medical students who want to deepen their understanding of physician advocacy at local, state, and federal levels. The course curriculum will cover basic advocacy concepts, including:
• the roles of governmental bodies in the creation of healthcare policies;
• how physicians make an impact through PAC giving, holding elected office, and being informed voters; and
• how to leverage different resources to successfully advocate for your position.
Course Philosophy
This course rests on the foundational belief that learners benefit from a well-rounded approach to teaching. Therefore, this course will employ subject matter experts, supplemental reading assignments, and real-time discussions to teach participants about the complex world of healthcare legislation and physician advocacy.
Course Assignments
Throughout this three-session class, participants will be given recommended readings to supplement their learning. Each session's reading will take no more than 15 minutes. The supplemental readings are not required for completing Advocacy University, but they are highly encouraged.
Schedule
Unit 1 – Government & Public Policy
» Arizona State Legislature: Get a Leg Up on Understanding the State Legislature
» Federal Government: How Federal Legislation Impacts Medicine & Patient Care
» Agencies & Regulatory Entities: The 'Other' Actors in Medical & Healthcare Regulation
Unit 2 – Relationship Building & Lobbying
» The Power of Media: Using Paid, Earned, and Free Media in Politics
» Leveraging Connections: Calling on Stakeholders & Other Relationships
» Narrating Your Advocacy: Creating an Effective & Efficient Narrative
» Finding Middle Ground: Now That's What I Call Negotiation!
Unit 3 – Campaigns, PACs, & Running for Office
» Political Candidates: Getting to the Root of Legislation
» Political Giving: PAC-ing a Punch
» Physician Representation: The Dire Need for Physician Candidates
Cancellation & Eligibility Policy
ArMA's Advocacy University is a free resource available exclusively to ArMA members. To optimize the learning experience for participants, the course will also be limited to 25 spots. The available spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you have any questions regarding this course, please email ArMA's staff at ArMA-advocacy@AZmed.org.
