General Session

Policy & Science General Session - Policy to Practice: Advancing State Level Change to Improve Addiction Care

Saturday, April 26, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Presenter(s)

Cara A. Poland, MD, MEd, FACP, DFASAM

Associate Professor
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Stephanie B. Stewart, MD, MPHS, MRO, FASAM

Addiction Medicine Physician
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, Colorado
Chad D. Elkin, MD, FAACP, DFASAM

Chief Medical Officer
National Addiction Specialists, TNSAM President
Brentwood, Tennessee
Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM

Chief Medical Officer
Pathway Healthcare Services, LLC
Jonesboro, Georgia

This session will explore how clinician advocacy can drive state-level policy changes that meaningfully improve addiction care. Attendees will learn about the specific policy changes enacted, their impact on clinical practice, and lessons applicable to other regions. This will highlight how providers can leverage their expertise to bridge the gap between legislative decisions and clinical outcomes. The session will empower participants with practical tools to advocate for sustainable improvements in addiction medicine, regardless of the sociopolitical environment they may be practicing in.

Disclosure(s):

Cara A. Poland, MD, MEd, FACP, DFASAM: No financial relationships to disclose

Stephanie B. Stewart, MD, MPHS, FASAM: No financial relationships to disclose

Chad Elkin, MD, FASAM: No financial relationships to disclose

Ruchi M. Fitzgerald, MD FAAFP: No financial relationships to disclose