By Alison Neuwirth, MD
UVA Psychiatry PGY3
Representing the University of Virginia at the PSV/MSV “White Coats on Call” lobby day provided a valuable opportunity to address the legislative barriers currently impacting medical practice in Virginia. My physician team included Drs. Michael Czekajlo (Critical Care), Salimah Gangji (OBGYN), David Markowitz (Psychiatry), and John Mason (ENT). We met with Delegates Michael Feggans, Chris Runion, and Sam Rasoul, as well as Senator David Marsden.
Our discussions focused on two critical legislative efforts:
- Banning Non-Compete Agreements (HB 627/SB 128): We advocated for the removal of non-competes for licensed healthcare providers. These agreements restrict provider autonomy and disrupt patient care; when a clinician is forced to leave a community due to a restrictive covenant, it creates a vacuum that patients often cannot fill. Ending these bans is essential for fostering independent practice and ensuring patients retain access to their doctors.
- Forgivable Loan Programs (HB 663/SB 625): We highlighted the impact of escalating medical debt—averaging $228,000 for the class of 2025—and the complications introduced by new federal borrowing caps. We urged support for state-funded forgivable loans for students committing to high-needs specialties and underserved areas. This “front-end” financing allows future physicians to choose psychiatry based on community need rather than debt-driven financial pressure.
Communicating these clinical realities to our representatives is vital for a sustainable psychiatric workforce in Virginia. I am grateful to the PSV leadership and my colleagues for a productive day of advocacy.
