Blog

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.

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

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to acknowledge the women who inspire the ED to MED community to become the best advocates they can be! Learn about the female advocates, leaders, and role models our advocates look up to and admire.

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

With an extra day in 2020, students are getting a jump on their advocacy efforts, and you can too! Make a difference for health professions students, professionals, and patients today.

By Maria D. Jones, OMS-III, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

While Valentine’s Day has come and gone, its ambiance lingers all month inspiring people to focus on their loved ones and show them appreciation. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I’m focusing on one of my more recent passions: my love of advocacy.