Transforming Compassion into Action: Why Social Workers in Health Care Should Advocate for Change
This post was originally created as an op-ed for the Social Work Month edition of the SWIM@R Connections newsletter. To view the full newsletter or to learn more SWIM@R (Social Work in Medicine at RUSH), reach out to Perpetual_Assem@rush.edu.
As social workers in health care, we witness firsthand the systemic barriers our patients face daily. While our clinical work is essential, our impact can extend beyond individual interventions to create lasting change. This Social Work Month 2025, with its theme "Social Work: Compassion + Action," offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we can transform our compassion and clinical insights into meaningful advocacy.
Why Advocacy Matters for Clinical Social Workers
Hospital and clinic social workers possess unique insights that few others in healthcare can match. We understand:
The gaps between discharge plans and community resources
How insurance barriers affect treatment decisions
When policies inadvertently harm specific communities or populations
The social determinants affecting patients' and communities' health outcomes
Your frontline experiences make you exceptionally qualified to identify and address systemic issues. Remember that social workers historically advocated for transformative policies like Social Security, Medicare, and workplace protections—all while continuing their direct practice work.
Start Small, Think Big
Advocacy doesn't require a complete career change. Consider these accessible entry points:
Document patterns: When you notice recurring barriers, track them systematically
Join committees: Volunteer for quality improvement or ethics committees
Partner with community organizations: Build bridges between your institution and local resources
Mentor students: Shape the next generation of advocacy-minded practitioners
Share your expertise: Offer to educate medical colleagues about social determinants of health
Not sure how to get started? Reach out to learn more about advocacy work happening via the CHaSCI!
Self-Care as a Form of Advocacy
Importantly, advocating for better working conditions for social workers is also systemic change. Supporting policies for loan forgiveness, fair reimbursement, and manageable caseloads creates sustainability within our profession.
Remember that self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary fuel for the compassionate action we provide. By prioritizing your wellbeing, you model the balance needed for long-term effectiveness.
Take the Next Step
This month, challenge yourself to identify one systemic issue affecting your patients and take one concrete step toward addressing it. Whether attending a policy meeting, writing to the administration as an individual constituent, or connecting with professional organizations, your voice matters.
By balancing direct service with systems-level engagement, you honor the full potential of our profession to transform lives not just one at a time, but also through lasting structural change.