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By Aerial Petty, MS, OMS-III, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Public Relations Director, Omega Beta Iota

It wasn’t until I began my third year at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, halfway through my time as a medical student, that I realized I had been advocating for my patients and community all along, and started actively seeking out as many advocacy opportunities as I could. It’s never too late to get involved.

By Christine DeCarlo, AACOM Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager

Harris Ahmed, DO, MPH, graduate of the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and recent AACOM Osteopathic Health Policy Intern, spoke with ED to MED about the moment that made him realize he wanted to become a physician, and how his experiences in advocacy and public policy inspired him to become a lifelong advocate on behalf of patients and the health care profession. Watch Harris’ video interview and become inspired to start or deepen your own advocacy journey.

By Amanah Fatima, OMS-II, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine – Joplin Campus, National Recruitment Liaison, Omega Beta Iota: National Osteopathic Political Action Honor Society

My experiences volunteering at free health clinics have fueled my desire to work in an underserved area in the future and help care for patients whom our current system has failed. At the same time, I’m ever conscious of my growing debt. That is why I am a passionate advocate for protecting programs such as Grad PLUS and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

By Sean Friefeld, OMS-II, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, National Director, Omega Beta Iota: National Osteopathic Political Action Honor Society

It wasn’t until I knew that I wanted to become a physician that I also became interested in advocacy, realizing that protecting and treating patients happens on more levels than one.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, Interim Vice President of Government and Public Relations
The $2.3 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, includes provisions that directly impact health professions students and graduates. Learn how the law affects your federal student loans and loan repayment.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Interim Vice President of Government and Public Relations
Recent AACOM Osteopathic Health Policy Intern Tyler King, OMS-IV at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, is passionate about addressing physician shortages in underserved communities. Learn what inspired him to pursue family medicine in rural South Texas and why he passionately advocates for Public Service Loan Forgiveness in his video interview with ED to MED.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Interim Vice President of Government and Public Relations

During Educating Leaders 2020, ED to MED recognized Shawn Hamm, DO, MPH, as the 2020 ED to MED Outstanding Advocate of the Year. Dr. Hamm consistently goes above and beyond to elevate the voices of health professionals and patients, and we are honored to be able to recognize him for all that he does. Learn about Dr. Hamm’s advocacy journey in his interview with ED to MED, and let his story inspire you to make a commitment to lifelong advocacy.

By Tyler King, OMS-IV, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University

Over the last eight months, I have spent a great deal of time studying student loan repayment. I wanted to share some tips I believe all of you, in particular soon-to-be-graduating health professions students, should consider as graduation approaches.

By Sioned Kirkpatrick, MS, OMS-III, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, Immediate Past National 2nd Vice Chair, AACOM Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents

Being an advocate means being vulnerable, which is synonymous with being brave. It means speaking up for and on behalf of those who cannot. With COVID-19 overworking our health care providers and isolating our medical students, we need people who are brave and capable of speaking up and asking for necessary resources and spaces to talk about and confront our struggles without fear of retribution or failure. Now more than ever, we need each other.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Interim Vice President of Government and Public Relations

March 30th is National Doctors’ Day! Join us in celebrating the current and future physicians who contribute to the health of individuals and communities around the world.