Health care policy and advocacy: a call to arms for residents and associates.

The College supports the efforts to provide universal access to quality, timely, and affordable surgical care. President John F. Kennedy once said, "There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction." It is imperative that, as patient advocates and practitioners of the art of surgery, we let our voices be heard on this matter. The issue of health care reform is both complex and diverse, requiring thorough debate. Like many major movements throughout history, this issue also requires action, perseverance, and courage.