Dr. Sohail J. Hasan, MD, PhD, Hosts OPHTHPAC Speaker Series Featuring Congressman Mike Kennedy, MD, JD 2025
Sohail J. Hasan, MD, PhD, Chair of OPHTHPAC and Chair of the Retina Consultants of America(RCA) Advocacy Subcommittee, hosted another successful installment of the OPHTHPAC Speaker Series on the evening of Monday, June 16, 2025. This latest session featured U.S. Representative Mike Kennedy, MD, JD (R-UT), a practicing family physician, attorney, and freshman Congressman representing Utah’s 3rd district.
The Speaker Series, now in its fifth year, brings together ophthalmologists from across the country for intimate conversations with policymakers who shape health care legislation in Washington. The virtual event provided OPHTHPAC investors with a unique opportunity to engage directly with a member of Congress who has long championed physician-led care.
Dr. Hasan opened the evening by welcoming attendees and introducing Rep. Kennedy, highlighting his history of advocacy on behalf of patients and medical professionals in both the Utah State Legislature and now in Congress. During his remarks, Rep. Kennedy shared his journey from medicine to law and ultimately public service, emphasizing his continued commitment to strengthening the physician voice in policy.
A moderated Q&A followed, with Dr. Hasan presenting questions submitted by attendees via the chat. Topics included:
- The growing need to reform Medicare reimbursement
- Challenges around prior authorization and step therapy
- The critical importance of protecting scope of practice
- Concerns over the proposed restructuring of the NIH and its impact on the National Eye Institute
- Effective ways for physicians to advocate at the federal level
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Dr. Kennedy’s remarks resonated deeply with the audience, particularly as he drew on his own experiences navigating these same challenges as a clinician. His candor, thoughtfulness, and willingness to collaborate across the aisle underscored why OPHTHPAC proudly supported his congressional campaign.
“Rep. Kennedy has been a consistent ally—not just to ophthalmologists, but to patients nationwide,” said Dr. Hasan. “We’re grateful for his time, and for his deep understanding of the issues that matter most to our profession.”
The evening closed with a strong call to action, reminding attendees of the importance of their annual investment in OPHTHPAC to ensure ophthalmology continues to have a seat at the table in Washington.
A screenshot from the event is included below.
