LAC26 Day 1 Report

Senate Bill Would Help Fund Rural EDs

ACEP Past President Aisha Terry, MD, MPH, FACEP, reacts to a proposal that would provide ten years of dedicated federal funding to eligible emergency departments in rural communities across the U.S. US Senator Josh Hawley Announcement [https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-groundbreaking-legislation-to-fund-rural-hospitals-ensure-access-to-emergency-care/]

Letter Urges ACGME to Listen

ACEP President Dr. Tony Cirillo explains the decision by ACEP and EMRA to send a letter urging ACGME to seek more input before making critical decisions impacting emergency medicine residency program requirements. Letter to ACGME [https://www.acep.org/news/acep-newsroom-articles/6-8-26-acep-and-emra-residency-program-changes-must-be-inclusive-and-transparent/?utm_campaign=ACEP%20main&utm_content=1780966680&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter]

Drug Control Strategy Unveiled

ACEP President Tony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, goes to the White House for the unveiling of the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy. The White House: 2026 National Drug Control Strategy Released [https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/05/2026-national-drug-control-strategy-released/]

LAC26 Hill Day Report

The final day of ACEP’s 2026 Leadership & Advocacy Conference took place in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, April 28, with emergency physicians heading to Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. Monika Pitzele, MD, and Will Sharp, MD, shared why showing up in person matters; Sydni Williams, MD, and Allison Young, MD, reflect on their first time visiting with legislators; and ACEP President Tony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, talks about relationship-building with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and explains why ongoing engagement with elected officials is essential.

LAC26 Day 2 Report

Day 2 of ACEP's Leadership & Advocacy Conference took place in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 27. Bradley Uren, MD, FACEP, emphasizes the importance of telling stories and the goal of meeting with legislators; Rep. Timothy Reader, MD, FACEP, explains what he's learned serving in the North Carolina state legislature; First Lady of Delaware Lauren Meyer, MD, describes what it takes to be an elected official; and David Wilcox, MD, FACEP, has attended all 39 LAC meetings. Rep. Tim Reeder, MD, FACEP [https://drtimreeder.com/] Contact: tim@drtimreeder.com