Gun violence is the leading cause of death for American children. Millions have been plunged back into poverty. A top anti-vaccine activist runs Health and Human Services. Pediatrician Dr. Annie Andrews argues that this isn't a political issue — it's a moral failure. So she left the hospital to run for the U.S. Senate, aiming to become its first pediatrician.

In this urgent and inspiring episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Dana Trampas, MPH, sits down with Dr. Annie Andrews — a pediatric hospitalist, gun violence researcher, and Democratic candidate for Senate in South Carolina. Recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit, Dr. Andrews explains why she traded her white coat for a campaign trail, detailing the systemic reasons children’s health is ignored in politics and how she’s building a movement to change it.

Dr. Andrews reveals:

The Power Vacuum Hurting Kids: Why children, a quarter of the population, have no political voice — and how her PAC, “Their Future PAC”, is designed to fill that void.
The Legislative Lifeline We Let Expire: The stunning success and tragic expiration of the expanded Child Tax Credit, and why her number one priority is making it permanent.
Confronting a Public Health Crisis: The immediate danger of having RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary, a decision so alarming it propelled her back into a Senate race she hadn't planned to run.
The "Sellout" vs. The Advocate: How she plans to resist the corrosive influence of politics and stay true to her oath to "do no harm," contrasting herself with physicians in Congress who voted to confirm RFK Jr.
A Prescription for Action: Why now is not the time for healthcare professionals to be quiet, and how anyone — parent, clinician, or concerned citizen—can start making a difference today by turning toward their community.

This conversation is a rallying cry for anyone who believes children’s lives should be a non-negotiable priority. It’s a masterclass in translating medical expertise into political power and a testament to the courage required to fight for the most vulnerable.

Listen now to understand the crisis facing America’s children — and learn how one doctor is daring to fix a broken system.

00:00 | Introducing Dr. Annie Andrews: Pediatrician, Candidate, & Mom

00:44 | From Exam Room to Campaign Trail: Why Politics is Harder Than Medicine

02:54 | The Shocking Lack of Pediatricians in Congress

03:38 | Building Power for the Powerless: The Mission of “Their Future PAC”

05:16 | The Urgent Priorities: Child Tax Credit, Gun Violence, and Climate

07:33 | The RFK Jr. Appointment: A "Dark Time" for Public Health

10:47 | Staying True to Your Oath in a System That Rewards Compromise

12:08 | A Call to Action: How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

Stay Connected & Get Involved:

👉 Learn more about Dr. Andrews' campaign at AnnieAndrews.com

👉 Support the mission to elect kid-first candidates at Their Future PAC

👉 Follow Annie Instagram TikTok X

👉 Connect with Guest Host, Dana Trampas on Instagram TikTok

🎧 This episode was recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit and brought to you by Chirpy Bird Health IT. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

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