As a urologist deeply involved in health policy, I’ve had the privilege of representing our profession before members of Congress and other elected officials in various capacities. I’ve served as the 2012 Gallagher Health Policy Scholar, a former member of the Legislative Affairs Committee, a past chair of the State Advocacy Committee, and current chair of the Public Policy Council. Despite all these experiences, it wasn’t until I participated in the AUA’s “Site Visit” pilot program that I truly saw the immediate and profound impact of engaging directly with state legislators on my home turf.

I worked closely with the AUA’s Legislative and Political Affairs Department to organize a site visit at my clinic and ambulatory surgery center for my Maryland state senator and state representative. This hour-long tour was more than just a walk-through of our facilities; it was an opportunity to show them, firsthand, the critical services we provide and the challenges we face in delivering high-quality urologic care to our community.

During the visit, my partners, our practice administrator, and I walked the legislators through the day-to-day operations of our clinic (Figures 1-6). We explained the various procedures we perform, the technology we use, and the significant role that our services play in maintaining the health of our community. This wasn’t just about showcasing our capabilities; it was about illustrating the direct connection between health care policy and patient outcomes. I wanted them to see how policies enacted in the state capital affect the care we can provide.

One of the most powerful moments of the visit came when the legislators had the chance to speak with our nurses, technicians, and other staff members. These are the people who are on the front lines every day, navigating the complexities of the health care system while striving to deliver the best possible care to our patients. They shared their personal stories and discussed the obstacles they face—whether it’s dealing with cumbersome regulations, the pressures of prior authorizations, or other burdens. These conversations were eye-opening for the legislators, offering them a real-world perspective on the challenges we face.

As the visit progressed, I could see that the legislators were beginning to grasp the full scope of our work and the vital importance of access to high-quality urologic care. They were able to connect the dots between the policies they help create and the tangible impact those policies have on both health care providers and patients. For me, it was incredibly rewarding to see the light bulbs go off as they realized that their decisions in the state capital directly affect the lives of the people we serve.

This experience reinforced my belief that direct engagement with policymakers is one of the most effective ways to advocate for our profession and our patients. Hosting these legislators at my clinic allowed me to show them, in a very personal and concrete way, the challenges we face and the importance of the work we do. It also gave them the chance to meet the people behind the statistics—the health care professionals who are dedicated to providing the best care possible under often difficult circumstances.

In the end, the site visit was a game-changer for me. It strengthened my resolve to continue advocating for policies that support access to high-quality health care and reminded me of the power of personal connection in driving positive change. I highly encourage all of my colleagues to consider hosting your own site visit. It’s an invaluable opportunity to build relationships with your legislators, educate them about the realities of health care delivery, and ultimately influence the policies that shape our profession and the care we provide. If you would like more information in how to host a site visit, please contact the AUA’s State Advocacy Manager, Joshua Webster, at JWebster@AUAnet.org