Four years ago, during the chairmanship of Lyal Leibrock, MD, the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies organized the first Neurosurgical Leadership Development Conference (NLDC). The conference answered a need that had become apparent: In order for neurosurgery’s interests to be heard at the federal level, neurosurgeons needed to focus on their most pressing political needs as well as education on the political process and how to influence change in national health policy.
Today, it is strikingly apparent that politically savvy neurosurgeons need to reach a critical mass in order to pass federal medical liability reform. The 2004 election cycle brings physicians closer than we have ever been in the history of medicine to bringing forward federal medical liability reform legislation. There are a number of key seats up for reelection this fall, and only a dozen or so votes need to change in order for us to have a chance at passing a reform bill.
NLDC Becomes LLDC
At this momentous time—and as we gear up for the third leadership conference, to be held July 18-20 in Washington, D.C.—Dr. Leibrock’s foresight in organizing the first such event for neurosurgeons is recognized through the event’s new name, the “Leibrock Leadership Development Conference,” or LLDC. At the original NLDC, which I had the privilege of attending, the first day’s schedule included didactic sessions led by Washington insiders and professional lobbyists to teach neurosurgeons about the relevant issues and how to approach a legislator, including what was proper etiquette and what behavior might be counterproductive. The well-conceived sessions were attended by the entire executive committees of the CSNS and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), as well as by a number of executive committee members of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The following day, each of us met with our respective representatives or their health aides to personally present our concerns—and we were heard!
The format of this summer’s conference generally will follow the same pattern, but with the Doctors for Medical Liability Reform’s campaign, Protect Patients Now, in full force, the LLDC likewise will focus on the issue of medical liability reform. Our event will take place a mere two weeks before the Democratic National Convention begins, heightening the LLDC’s impact and creating an optimal opportunity to deliver our message to Congress—particularly to those members whose seats are being challenged in the fall elections. Therefore, at least three representatives from each state’s neurosurgical society are asked to attend this important event. Any neurosurgeon who has a personal relationship with a member of Congress also is urged to attend.
Dr. Leibrock has organized an outstanding itinerary for the weekend. The meeting will be held at the Washington Court Hotel, just two blocks from the Capitol and with easy access to the subway. I hope that many of you will choose to join us and plan to bring your families to our nation’s capital city.
Your participation is key to our success. Please plan to be there.
Frederick Boop, MD, is chair of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies.
Leibrock Leadership Development Conference
July 18-20, 2004
The Washington Court Hotel
Washington, D.C.
To learn more about LLDC visit www.AANS.org/legislative/nldc.
Saturday, July 17
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Welcome Reception With Exhibitors
Sunday July 18
7:30 am – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast With Exhibitors
8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Practice Management Seminar
Topic Highlights
- Coding and Reimbursement Issues
- New Current Procedural Terminology Codes
- Medicare Overview
- Physician Ownership of Specialty Hospitals
- Medicolegal Strategies
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Monday, July 19
7:30 am – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast With Exhibitors
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Leibrock Leadership Development Conference (LLDC)
Topic Highlights
- Medical Liability Campaign Update
- Issues and Political Advocacy and/or November Election Predictions
- Congressional Staff Panel—Differing Views on How to Solve the Medical Liability Crisis
- Prospects for Federal Medical Liability Reform Legislation
- Hill Visit Preparation-Single Issue Focus: The Medical Liability Crisis
- Open Evening Family Night
Tuesday, July 20
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Capitol Hill Visit Rally Breakfast
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Congressional Visits
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Capitol Hill Visit Wrap-up
Note: Schedule is subject to change.