“Look, this (lobbying) is a competitive, full-contact sport. There are over 4,300 PACs in DC. It's hard to get one's voice heard with all the noise,” Burnes said. “Having a large, well-established PAC that builds relationships on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, offers the profession the best representation possible to protect itself.”

Patel agreed, noting that there are many competing interests in Washington, D.C. She said that RADPAC also provides education on radiology advocacy across the country and arranges site visits so that radiologists can visit their elected representatives. Such activity not only advances the specialty but also helps to serve patients, Patel said. While the study found that only about 10 percent of practicing radiologists contribute to RADPAC, she thinks this may increase as healthcare becomes more competitive in the political arena.

“It's wonderful to see that radiologists are coming together to put their profession first, regardless of political affiliation,” said Patel.



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