Blog

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Senior Director of Congressional and Public Relations

With fall approaching and osteopathic medical students returning to campus, our ED to MED Campus Ambassadors have been busy educating their classmates on the issues important to their futures and encouraging them to advocate for change through the ED to MED campaign. Learn about their outreach and get inspired about ways you can engage students on your own campus.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Senior Director of Government and Public Relations

Leading up to #COMDAY18, ED to MED is calling on advocates to step up for the #E2MChallenge. Together, we have the power to impact meaningful change for the future health care workforce!

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Senior Director of Government and Public Relations

With summer in full swing, now is a great time to take a few minutes to relax and catch up on your summer reading. Add the following ED to MED blog posts recommended by AACOM’s Office of Government Relations staff to your reading list.

By Pamela Murphy, AACOM Senior Vice President of Government Relations

You just graduated and are ready to start the next chapter of your life. You’re moving closer to your dream of giving back to your community through a career in the health professions, thanks to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Make sure you receive the loan forgiveness you deserve by avoiding these eight common mistakes when enrolled in PSLF.

By Mark Dean, OMS-III, University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, SGA President 2017-2018, COSGP Public Relations Web Representative

All I ever wanted to do was become a doctor. Now, the knowledge that my future and the future of the next generation of doctors may be jeopardized by threats to the Grad PLUS Loan Program drives me to action. To passionately advocate to save Grad PLUS should be the goal of every single medical student in the United States.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Director of Congressional and Public Affairs

Shawn Hamm, recent graduate of the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, spoke with ED to MED about his non-traditional path to medical school, his advocacy journey, and lessons learned as a capstone to his Osteopathic Health Policy Internship with AACOM.

Your financial future matters to us, and that’s why we fight every day to amplify your voice on Capitol Hill. Use this summer to prepare for your financial future and declare your independence.

By Jordan Lane, OMS-II, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

My hopes of becoming a physician and advocate for those unheard wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of federal Grad PLUS loans. I call on each legislator to remember that we are the caregivers of tomorrow.

By Mary-Lynn Bender, AACOM Director of Congressional and Public Affairs

Republican leadership in the House of Representatives is considering a vote on the PROSPER Act in the weeks ahead. This bill would replace the Direct Loan Program with a new Federal ONE Loan Program, and Grad PLUS loans would be reduced and replaced, resulting in significant limitations on borrowing for health professions students. Help support Grad PLUS and spread the word by using our new #SaveGradPLUS Facebook frame!

By Mustafa M. Basree, MS, OMS-II, University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Attending medical school in Eastern Kentucky shaped my career goals of promoting the health and well-being of underserved communities. As an Iraqi-American with a short credit history and no creditworthy co-signers, my only reasonable option to finance my medical education after grants and scholarships is federal loans. This illustrates why ED to MED is such as an important vehicle for rallying support and maintaining a strong, constant voice advocating for PSLF and Grad PLUS loans.