A Transformative Leadership Journey: Ruben Vogt Reflects on Government Relations Academy

Applications are open now for the association's Government Relations Academy (GRA), a leadership development program focused on strengthening essential hospital leaders' federal advocacy skills. We spoke with Ruben John Vogt, district chief advocacy officer at association member University Medical Center of El Paso, about his experience in the program in 2022.

Looking back on your time in the Government Relations Academy, what originally motivated you to apply? What were you hoping to gain at that point in your career?

I applied to the Government Relations Academy because I wanted to strengthen partnerships within the America's Essential Hospitals network and amplify the impact of our collective advocacy. As the government relations lead, I was eager to gain insight from peers across the country to better understand how they engage stakeholders, address complex issues, and drive meaningful change. Colleagues who completed the program spoke highly of its value, and I was ready to elevate beyond what I was already doing. I wanted to expand my approach, find new ways to engage our employees and community, and ensure our advocacy truly reflects the importance of the work we do for our hospitals, our patients, and the people we serve every day.

What was the biggest shift you experienced during the GRA? Was it a mindset change, a confidence boost, or something unexpected that changed how you approach advocacy today?

The biggest reminder was how powerful advocacy is when rooted in true collaboration. GRA drives home that coalition-building is not just a strategy, but the foundation for creating real impact. Overall, the experience got me out of the day-to-day grind and reminded me of the larger impact our voices have on the work America's Essential Hospitals does on our behalf. It also challenged me to move beyond simply showing up-to be more intentional, engaged, and proactive in shaping our collective efforts.

What's one skill, insight, or connection from GRA that you still use to this day?

The most valuable takeaway from GRA has been the lasting relationships built with peers and leaders across America's Essential Hospitals membership. These connections have become an incredible source of support, collaboration, and shared insight as we navigate complex policy and advocacy challenges together. Building personal relationships with association leadership, staff, and fellow government relations professionals has created a trusted network on which I continue to rely. We stay connected through text messaging and look forward to seeing each other at VITAL, fly-ins, and beyond, continually learning from and inspiring one another. Those relationships have become more than professional connections-they are friendships that have supported my ability to affect our advocacy.

Since graduating, how have you applied what you learned in GRA to your advocacy work at University Medical Center of El Paso?

There are two key ways I've applied what I learned from the Government Relations Academy. First, I've refined our messaging to ensure it resonates more effectively with diverse stakeholders. This has expanded our reach and strengthened our influence across regional and national policy efforts, amplifying our voice with policymakers. In addition to my personal advocacy, I've focused on fostering a culture of advocacy within our team-emphasizing the power of storytelling, engagement, and active participation in association initiatives. I've also worked to build deeper relationships with our community, partners, and elected officials. Our goal is to ensure advocacy is embedded in every part of our organization, creating a unified, inclusive effort that drives meaningful impact both internally and externally.

Can you describe a time when the advocacy strategies or relationships you developed through GRA directly helped you advance a key policy or initiative?

The relationships I built through the Government Relations Academy have been invaluable in advancing key policies. They've enabled deeper analysis of legislation and ensured America's Essential Hospitals stay aligned on priorities that most impact our communities. Every community faces unique challenges, so having trusted contacts-whether association staff or peers I met through the program-means I can quickly connect for insight and/or support. These connections also allow colleagues to flag critical issues relevant to my work, creating a collaborative network that strengthens our advocacy and helps us respond swiftly and strategically to emerging policy opportunities.

Advocacy can be both technical and deeply personal. What keeps you inspired or grounded when the work gets tough?

What keeps me going when advocacy gets tough is knowing the real, lasting impact it has on patients' lives and bringing the latest technology advancements to our community. It's deeply personal-every victory at the federal level, like securing funding for life-changing robotics programs or bringing care to underserved communities through mobile units, reminds me why this work matters. We may not be the ones providing direct care, but through advocacy, we give voice to patients' stories, struggles, and hopes. We're fighting to protect programs like the 340B Drug Pricing Program and ensure access to vital resources. It's a heavy responsibility but also an incredible privilege to shape policies that bring hope, healing, and better futures to so many. That purpose fuels me every day.

How has the GRA changed your trajectory as a leader? What doors opened, whether personally or professionally, after completing the program?

GRA has been transformative for my leadership journey, especially as I've stepped into an advanced role as the chief advocacy officer. GRA broadened my network and deepened my connections across multiple platforms-ultimately amplifying my influence within policy circles. It opened doors to strategic roles within both the association and government, strengthening my capacity to advocate effectively at every level. Beyond personal growth, the program inspired me to enhance collaboration with America's Essential Hospitals, identifying new opportunities for my team to engage with committees and key initiatives. This increased involvement has empowered me to represent my hospital and community more effectively, fostering a stronger, more unified advocacy effort that drives meaningful change.

What would you say to a new or emerging leader who's unsure about whether GRA is right for them?

To anyone unsure about GRA, I'd say this: it's an invaluable opportunity-not just to build skills, but to forge powerful connections essential for impactful advocacy. Whether you're emerging or experienced, GRA broadens your influence and deepens your understanding of policy. If your leadership supports your participation, don't hesitate-there's so much to gain in knowledge, relationships, and confidence. Advocacy is a team effort, and GRA helps you and your organization engage more meaningfully. Even if you've already attended, consider encouraging others in your team to join-it's a transformative experience that elevates both individuals and the entire organization.

What do you hope future participants take away from the program-and what's your vision for the next generation of advocates?

The more individuals who participate in the Government Relations Academy, the better prepared we all are to engage in the critical debates and conversations shaping today's most pressing policy issues. My vision for the next generation of leaders is one defined by bold, innovative thinking-leaders who work together with purpose and continually learn from one another. By sharing best practices and staying connected across all experience levels, we strengthen our collective advocacy and amplify our impact. The more we engage and support each other, the greater our ability to drive meaningful, lasting improvements in health care for the communities we serve.

Applications close (Dec. 12).