Lindsay A. Rhodes, M.D., a glaucoma fellow in the Department of Ophthalmology at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, recently presented to the Young Ophthalmologists at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Chicago.

Rhodes, a member of the YO Advocacy subcommittee, described the importance of young ophthalmologists getting involved early in their careers in donating to state and federal Political Action Committees, getting involved with state medical organizations and making connections with lawmakers as a way to protect patients and the profession.

"I spoke to them about the need for involvement in the advocacy side of our profession by taking time out of clinics to build relationships with state legislators as well as U.S. Congressmen and Senators,” Rhodes said. “We need to communicate with lawmakers about our needs and wishes in this changing healthcare climate."

She also recently stepped in to speak at the state society presidents-elect meeting in Chicago about her experience as an Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology-sponsored Advocacy Ambassador. Rhodes said she hoped to encourage the state society presidents to continue support for the Advocacy Ambassador program at the Mid-Year Forum in Washington, DC, an annual meeting in which ophthalmologists meet with legislators on Capitol Hill.

Rhodes is a member of the ALAO board of directors.