Advocacy in medicine is the process of promoting the best interests of patients, providers, and the health care community to the governmental, financial, institutional, and regulatory entities which control or otherwise influence the delivery of health care. Advocacy activities involve participation in professional societies, engagement in the political process, development and promotion of health policy, and formation of relationships with lawmakers, administrators, and regulators. Multiple levels of advocacy exist – from local and state efforts to national and international endeavors. Advocacy can seem intimidating and foreign, especially to medical professionals who have spent their careers developing expertise in entirely different domains, with discrete skill sets distinct from those typically associated with policymaking. With appropriate education, training, experience, resources, and teammates, however, health care providers can prove very effective at advocacy. In our complex and rapidly changing world, shoulder surgeons and related professionals must understand and engage in advocacy in order to fulfill the deepest responsibilities of their sacred commitment to always work for the good of their patients. This manuscript seeks to review the concept and practice of advocacy within the American system, with the hope of sharing our knowledge and experience with our Polish friends and colleagues.