Why It Matters
The American College of Surgeons is ramping up its lobbying efforts on healthcare policy priorities, including physician compensation and emergency preparedness regulations. The organization is working with both in-house congressional lobbyists and outside firms to navigate a complex regulatory environment where Medicare policies and pandemic-related legislation directly affect surgical practice and training.
By the Numbers
The organization spent $240,000 on lobbying in the second quarter of 2026, down from $260,000 in the first quarter. Its seven-member in-house lobbying team includes senior congressional staff with Capitol Hill experience. Carrie Zlatos leads the legislative operation as Chief of Legislative and Political Affairs, with support from Emma Zimmerman as Senior Congressional Lobbyist, Matt Coffron as Chief of Health Policy Development, Christian Shalgian as Director of the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy, Courtney Lisowski as Manager of Political and Grassroots Engagement, Matt Brown as Congressional Lobbyist, and Hallie Koch as an active in-house lobbyist.
The organization has also engaged Hart Health Strategies Inc., which filed its own disclosure for $60,000 in the first quarter.
Broader Context
The American College of Surgeons is monitoring several healthcare priorities. The organization is tracking the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, S.1022, Medicare and Medicaid issues, and cancer research and funding initiatives.
The Bottom Line
The American College of Surgeons maintains steady lobbying spending as it pursues healthcare policy objectives that affect surgical practice across the country. Its second quarter disclosure reflects consistent investment in government relations through an experienced in-house team and contracted outside counsel.
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