Blog

By Paul S. Garrard, Founder and President, PGPresents, LLC, Independent Student Loan Consulting

While it is ultimately your choice whether to borrow federal or private loans for medical school, there are reasons why keeping your student loan portfolio federal is likely the better way to go. Federal programs like Grad PLUS loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness provide medical students with important benefits that private loans do not. Learn why Congress should continue supporting these two important programs vital to future physicians and patients.

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

Though it may feel like summer has just begun, health professions students across the country soon will be or are already heading back to school for another year of learning, studying, and gaining the knowledge required to earn their degrees. Make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming school year with these advocacy essentials.

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

August recess offers a great opportunity to connect with Members of Congress while they are back in their districts and states. Whether you are planning an event that you’d like your legislator to attend or are looking for other ways to engage this summer, read some helpful tips about increasing your impact as an ED to MED advocate.

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

ED to MED was created in 2016 with the support of AACOM President and CEO Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH, who has led the Association since January 2006 and is retiring this month. To honor Dr. Shannon’s pivotal role in supporting the ED to MED campaign and its growth over the years, we spoke with him about his commitment to advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, and the power of storytelling to effect positive change.

By Christine DeCarlo, AACOM Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager

AACOM and ED to MED are celebrating #NationalSelfieDay by encouraging our advocates, health professions students, and the rest of the OME community to join in on the fun by snapping a selfie and sharing it on social media with a caption about what issues are important to them.

By Christine DeCarlo, AACOM Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager

With the first official day of summer quickly approaching, now is a great time to plan your summer reading list. AACOM’s Office of Government Relations staff looked back at this year’s ED to MED blog posts to recommend some inspiring, educational, and entertaining summer reads. Enjoy!

By Christine DeCarlo, AACOM Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager

AACOM welcomes Mary-Lynn Bender as our Interim Vice President of Government and Public Relations. Get to know this policy and advocacy champion!

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

One hundred and seventy-five years ago, Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message from Washington, DC to Baltimore. With modern technology, anyone can contact their elected officials in a matter of minutes. Use your voice to make a difference today!

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

Addressing the health care workforce shortage, and simultaneously increasing diversity among the health professions, cannot be done without also addressing graduate student debt. Hear what our ED to MED Town Hall panelists had to say about the connection between diversity and federal financial aid at AACOM’s Annual Conference.

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

In honor of Scrabble Day, we’re breaking down how to turn important acronyms into actionable messages for the next time you speak up on behalf of ED to MED. Check out this guide for a go-to, easy-to-use ED to MED messaging dictionary that turns letters into action.