Colorado physicians and medical society staff traveled to Washington, D.C., for the American Medical Association’s National Advocacy Conference (NAC) Feb. 12-14. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry experts, members of Congress, the administration, and others about federal efforts to improve health care, and advocate on crucial health care issues affecting physicians and patients.

Also during the conference, the AMA presented Awards for Outstanding Government Service. Colorado State Senator Kyle Mullica was this year’s recipient in his category, member of a state legislature. He is serving his first term in the Colorado Senate after two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives and has been a staunch champion of medicine throughout his time in office. Last year he was awarded the Colorado Medical Society’s 2023 Defender of Medicine award.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the American Medical Association for my commitment to improving public health in Colorado,” Mullica said in a release from the Senate Democrats on Feb. 13. “As an ER nurse, I know firsthand the challenges that patients face when seeking care, as well as the challenges providers face in delivering care. Throughout my time in elected office, I have fought for policies that ease the burdens for patients and providers alike and improve health outcomes for all Coloradans.”