The election is over. Our work is just beginning

The votes have been cast, the campaigns have concluded, and Oklahoma voters have made their decisions. Now, as newly elected officials prepare to take office, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association is preparing for something equally important — building relationships that will shape the future of health care in our state.

Elections bring change. New faces, new ideas and new leadership will soon fill the halls of the Oklahoma Capitol. While the names and personalities may change, the mission of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association remains constant: Protecting physician-led health care and advocating for better health outcomes for every Oklahoman.

The conclusion of an election does not signal the end of our advocacy efforts. In many ways, it marks a new beginning.

Relationships Matter

Good public policy begins with good relationships. As an association, we understand that effective advocacy requires more than showing up at the Capitol when legislation threatens the practice of medicine. It requires building trust, establishing credibility and developing meaningful relationships with those elected to represent the people of Oklahoma.

In the coming weeks and months, the OOA will be reaching out to newly elected legislators and other public officials. We will introduce them to osteopathic medicine, explain the challenges facing physicians and discuss the importance of maintaining a health care system in which physicians lead the medical team.

We will also continue strengthening relationships with returning legislators who have demonstrated a willingness to listen and understand the challenges facing Oklahoma physicians and their patients.

Our message will be consistent, clear and unwavering: Oklahoma has the opportunity to achieve better health outcomes when physicians lead health care.

This is not about protecting a profession for the sake of protecting a profession. It is about protecting patients.

Physician-Led Health Care Is Nonnegotiable

Oklahoma continues to face significant health care challenges. Rural communities struggle to recruit and retain physicians. Patients face barriers to accessing timely medical services. Administrative burdens, reimbursement challenges and unnecessary regulations continue to place pressure on medical practices.

These challenges require thoughtful solutions developed with the expertise and involvement of physicians.

Osteopathic physicians bring years of rigorous medical education, clinical training and hands-on patient care experience to the health care team. Their education prepares them to diagnose complex medical conditions, develop comprehensive treatment plans and make critical decisions affecting patient outcomes.

We believe physician-led health care provides the strongest foundation for patient safety, quality care and improved health outcomes.

The OOA will continue to oppose legislative and regulatory efforts that undermine physician leadership or substitute lesser levels of medical training for the comprehensive education and experience of physicians.

Our position is not dependent on which political party controls the Legislature or who occupies the governor’s office. Our commitment is to our physicians and the patients they serve.

A Strong Association Creates a Stronger Voice

The OOA represents more than 2,250 members across Oklahoma. Our membership includes physicians practicing in rural communities, major hospitals, independent clinics and large health care systems.

Although our practice settings and specialties may differ, our commitment to patient care unites us.

When we speak with one voice, legislators listen. When we build relationships, we create opportunities to influence public policy. When we stand together, we strengthen the future of osteopathic medicine.

But effective advocacy cannot rest solely on the shoulders of association leadership.

Every osteopathic physician has an opportunity to make a difference.

I encourage our members to get to know their newly elected legislators. Invite them to visit your practice. Explain the challenges you face in providing patient care. Share your experiences and help them understand how decisions made at the Capitol affect patients in their communities.

Never underestimate the influence of a physician who takes the time to build a relationship with an elected official.

The Time to Act Is Now

The next legislative session will bring new proposals, new debates and new opportunities to shape Oklahoma’s health care future.

We cannot afford to wait until legislation is filed to begin those conversations. The time to educate, communicate and build relationships is now.

The OOA will be at the table, working with legislative leaders, advocating for responsible health care policies and defending the essential role of physicians in patient care.

We will continue fighting for fair physician reimbursement, meaningful prior authorization reform, appropriate scope-of-practice standards, reduced administrative burdens and policies that improve access to quality medical care.

Our goal is not simply to influence legislation. Our goal is to help create a healthier Oklahoma.

That goal requires strong physician leadership, an engaged membership and elected officials who understand the value of osteopathic medicine.

Our Call to Action

The election may be over, but our responsibility to advocate for our profession and our patients never ends.

I challenge every OOA member to take three important steps: Build a relationship with your elected officials, become actively involved in the legislative process and strengthen the association through your continued membership and participation.

The future of osteopathic medicine will not be determined by those who remain silent. It will be shaped by those willing to stand together, speak with conviction and advocate for what is right.

The OOA is prepared to lead that effort, but our greatest strength comes from you — the physicians who care for Oklahomans every day.

The election is over. The relationships must begin. The advocacy must continue. And our commitment to physician-led health care must never waver.

We are DO proud. We are stronger together