A Surgeon's Seat in Congress: Discussion with Representative Larry Bucshon, MD

In this candid and engaging conversation, AAO-HNS Executive Vice President and CEO Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, sits down with former U.S. Representative Larry Bucshon, MD, to explore how a surgeon’s training, ethics, and patient-first mindset translate into legislative leadership as well as how physicians can have a major influence on the future of healthcare policy.

Dr. Bucshon, a cardiothoracic surgeon who served multiple terms in Congress, brings an insider’s view of how health policy is made, covering the committee process, the role of career staff, and the practical realities of bipartisan negotiation. Dr. Shah will frame the discussion around the priorities that matter most to otolaryngologists and their patients, including topics such as payment stability, prior authorization reform, workforce and training pipelines, scope of practice, research and innovation, and timely access to surgical care.

Together, they will unpack how to transfer clinical experience into credible political influence. They will discuss why it is crucial to engage in the political process, how stories from clinic can become persuasive testimony, and how to build strong relationships with lawmakers that outlast election cycles. Expect frank reflections on the effort required to move health legislation forward and practical guidance on how busy surgeons can play an important role in the policy arena.