Every day we interact with many patients, rushing from room to room in our offices, or hurrying from the office back to the hospital. Many of our interactions are brief. To us, these interactions may seem inconsequential. I am often reminded that these interactions, however inconsequential and brief, can have a large impact on our patients and their families. Usually a thank-you letter I receive from a patient or their family reminds me of this. Or perhaps I'm approached in the grocery store or at a basketball game, and the patient may update me on their health, or their family may thank me for helping their loved one. In many instances, I may not even remember what I did for that particular patient. It often reminds me of the movie It's A Wonderful Life. Just like George Bailey, we don't realize the effects that we have on people, but certainly if we were not part of their lives, they may be much different.

Just as our interactions with our patients may seem routine and inconsequential, but are not, I'm convinced that similar interactions with our elected officials can have a big impact on legislation that affects our ability to deliver efficient and high-quality care. I'm asking you to consider joining us for the Indiana ACC Legislative Day at the Statehouse on January 18, 2011. This is the Cardiology Day at the Capitol: Advocating for a Healthy Indiana. We will meet with our state legislators to discuss issues affecting our patients and us. In addition, we will be teaming with the American Heart Association to provide health screenings to legislators and their staff. I believe you will find this experience enjoyable and rewarding and, at the end of the day, you will feel that you have made a difference.