Member, Virginia House of Delegates, District 23 (2010-2020)
Hometown/Specialty
Lynchburg, VA – General Surgery
Which Program (Campaign School/Candidate Workshop) did you attend?
Candidate Workshop 2006
Have you run for public office? What was the result?
Yes, in May 2006 – At-Large member of Lynchburg (Va) City Council. I was the top vote-getter amongst 12 people running for three positions, including two incumbents (they won the other two slots).
UPDATE: Dr. Garrett was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2009 and reelected in 2013.
Have the programs helped in your political careers? How?
Yes. Proved invaluable insight/information on how to run a successful campaign, particularly as I had no prior experience or involvement in any political process or campaign.
Have the programs helped in your medical/advocacy careers? How?
Yes, as I have been quite active in Richmond (Va) advocating for policies critical to our profession. Wearing a white coat opens a lot of doors, but being a local elected official opens others as well.
What was the most important thing you learned from AMPAC programs?
How to succeed in a political campaign.
What would you say to members of the medical community thinking about becoming involved in politics?
I would say that they have been politicians all of their professional life, whether they know it or not, just on a one-to-one (MD to patient/family) basis rather than in the more formal sense of representing a constituency. The people are crying out for Trust and confidence in their elected officials at all levels, and members of the medical profession by their very nature are extremely well-positioned to earn/reaffirm that Trust. Physicians have extraordinary analytical and intellectual skill sets that are critically needed to effectuate sound public policy.