ASA Pushes for NIH Research at Large Capitol Hill Grassroots Rally

Last week, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) proudly joined the 2025 Rally for Medical Research, an organized effort to support robust funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ASA representatives, along with representatives of Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) and the Anesthesia Research Council (ARC) were part of more than 400 advocates who visited Capitol Hill in the coordinated lobbying effort. 
 
In more than 200 meetings with members of Congress and their staff, participants in the rally emphasized that medical research is essential to the health and well-being of all Americans.  Representing ASA at the event was September Resident Scholar, Hank Spellman, MD, MBA, who met with lawmakers to highlight the vital role NIH-funded research plays in advancing anesthesiology and pain medicine and improving patient care, safety, and outcomes.
 
As Congress finalizes FY 2026 funding, the Rally for Medical Research was a beacon to lawmakers to protect and grow NIH investment. ASA has been an annual participant in this event, and ASA will continue work with Congress to advocate for medical research funding.

Read more about the Rally for Medical Research here.