Get Involved

 FMA members interact with lawmakers during Days at the Capitol 

Decisions made at the state Capitol and in Congress have a major impact on medicine, making it vitally important for physicians to be engaged in the political process. First and foremost, you can get involved by joining the FMA and the FMA PAC today. Physicians from across the state also come to Tallahassee during the Legislative Session to testify on behalf of pro-medicine bills, and to speak against those that are detrimental to patients and physicians. Finally, the Doctor of the Day program is a means for physicians to interact closely with lawmakers during session and provide them with care while they are away from their home districts.

Doctor of the Day Program

Since the 1960s, the Florida Legislature's Doctor of the Day program has provided lawmakers with medical care during Legislative Session while serving to strengthen physician-legislator relations. Two physicians — one for the House of Representatives and one for the Senate — provide any necessary care to legislators, their staff members, and others at the Capitol. If the House or Senate is in full session on a day when a physician is volunteering, either the House Speaker or the Senate President will introduce the Doctor of the Day. Within the House or Senate Chambers, the physician may sit with his or her local delegation.

If the House and Senate are not in session, physicians are encouraged to attend committee meetings and/or visit legislators' offices. Your participation not only provides a valuable service, but also continues a noble tradition. Please call the Florida Office of Legislative Services (850) 488-6803 for more information on how to volunteer.