Feature
PACking a punch
Inside the only IR political action committee By Hope Racine
or 20 years, SIRPAC—the only political action committee fully dedicated to interventional radiology—has been making
connections and ensuring IR’s seat at the political table. As physicians and medical systems face new pressures and mounting needs, a cohesive advocacy strategy has never been more crucial. And SIRPAC is a key part of how SIR keeps innovative, image-guided therapies performed by interventional radiologists properly reimbursed by supporting the campaigns of pro-IR lawmakers.
What does SIRPAC do? “The main function of SIRPAC is to represent IR voices in government,” said
28 IRQ | FALL 2024
SIRPAC chair Jay Shah, MD. “SIRPAC gets IR on a platform and pedestal that is equal to other specialties.”
SIRPAC accomplishes this by pooling member contributions to support political candidates aligned with the interests and goals of the specialty.
“Sometimes that means a candidate has previously cosponsored a bill that directly affects IR,” said Dr. Shah. “Or it may be general in the sense that the person is known year-on-year to support not cutting reimbursement.”
SIRPAC is completely nonpartisan and the SIRPAC board must unanimously agree to contribute to a candidate,
and ensure all contributions meet established guidelines.
“We are vetting candidates and supporting those whose views are in line with the greater needs of the specialty. We align with those who will promote IR and make sure that we have their support for years to come,” said Dr. Shah.
Sometimes SIRPAC candidates are IRs themselves, like Steve Farrara, MD, who ran for the House of Representatives in 2018, or physicians who understand the importance of patient access, like Rep. Michael C. Burgess, MD, R-Texas.
This article is part of a special SIR 50th anniversary collection. For more interviews, highlights and celebration of 50 years of SIR, watch for the Winter 2025 IRQ.
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