I speak to groups, especially the elderly, and associations like the AARP, and talk to thousands of people a year about how to work with their insurance and their physician, on finding affordable prescription drugs. I'm also in the unique position where, as a teaching doc, I can talk to med students and residents about advocating for their patients.

Every time I have a drug rep approach me about wanting me to write a script for a drug that is going to cost $4k a month, and have the potential for serious side effects as well, I stand up for my patients and those who can't afford that drug.

There are some interesting new things on the horizon, including new hospital groups that plan on buying generic medicines in bulk, and supplies like bags of saline and epi-pens to avoid shortages and price increases are just one example of some of the changes I am encouraged by.

There is no "winning the fight" here because there are thousands of factors here, but I can stand up for what is right. Making smart choices, writing & calling my legislators, putting pressure on the insurance agencies when I can, learning how to work with social service agencies, and just being concerned for the welfare of others is simply what I can do.