September 11, 2026
Whether clinicians are at the bedside striving for better care for one patient or in Washington, DC, asking Congress to improve broad, crucial components of the health-care system, advocacy never stops. That’s why we urge you to join your fellow PALTmed members in the nation’s capital to stand up for post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) medicine during the Advocacy Summit being held October 19-20.
Sing Palat, MD, FPALTC, is chair of PALTmed’s Government Affairs Committee and has been involved in planning the event's agenda. She explains, “On day one, we will gather as an organization to gain clarity, purpose, and inspiration. Time has been set aside to explore the advocacy process, review top policy priorities for PALTmed, and connect with others from our own states or with similar interests.”
On day two, attendees will use what they learned on the first day during in-person meetings with congressional offices. “It’s all about exercising the power of advocating collectively,” Dr. Palat notes.
PALTmed will focus on the federal issues that matter most to PALTC clinicians and the patients they serve. Dr. Palat recommends sending a message to PALTMed staff, contacting a board or committee member, or adding a comment on the PALTconnect Forum to weigh in on the most important issues facing our settings today.
The summit also offers an opportunity for personal conversations. “During last year’s event, I talked with several congressional staff members who opened up about their own experiences with loved ones in nursing homes and caregiving experiences at home and other settings,” Dr. Palat says. “These individuals thanked us for coming to the capital to draw attention to the knowledge and health-care touchpoints that are unique to PALTC. Advocacy advances our personal citizenship and humanity as much as it does the lives of our patients.”
The Advocacy Summit is a great opportunity to gain perspective and drive meaningful, positive changes, Dr. Palat notes, as well as a chance to catch glimpses of national landmarks, explore fun neighborhoods, or grab a drink with a colleague. She’s looking forward to seeing you there.
If you haven’t already done so, register for the Advocacy Summit here. PALTmed will schedule meetings with congressional offices for everyone who registers by September 25.
As it did last year, the Foundation for PALTC Medicine is providing travel awards to early-career PALTC practitioners to attend the summit through the Dr. Rajeev Kumar PALTC Leadership & Advocacy Travel Award. The 2026 recipients are Keanna Albert, PA-C; Shahbaz Nisar, MD; and Kalbir Singh, MD.