Written by Dana Shuaibi
Introduction
When we think of patient care, we often think of the interactions between a patient and their healthcare provider in a clinical setting. However, patient care extends beyond the clinic, and one way to care for patients is through health policy advocacy.
What is Health Policy Advocacy?
Health policy advocacy involves supporting and influencing bills, laws, and policies that affect health. The ultimate goal of health policy advocacy is to create systemic change in healthcare that will improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
My Contribution to Health Policy Advocacy
My most recent health policy advocacy efforts have been with the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). Over the past 2 years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel with AMWA to Washington, D.C., and participate directly in lobbying efforts in support of bills aimed at improving the health of individuals and communities nationwide. I had the opportunity to speak to the legislative assistants of different congressional offices, such as those for Representatives Nikki Budzinski, Hilary Scholten, Timothy Kennedy, and Richard Blumenthal.
Over the course of these trips to Capitol Hill, I have felt so inspired and motivated to pursue a career in health policy. The opportunity to speak with a representative from my state, specifically for the district where I attended college, was truly empowering.
Why I Enjoy Health Policy Advocacy
My passion for health policy stems from my interest in preventive medicine. Oftentimes, when we think of medicine, we focus on the treatment of patients who are already sick. However, it also involves preventing illness to begin with, and that is exactly what preventive medicine is and what health policy can do for patients.
By advocating for policies related to healthcare, such as those tied to Medicaid, we can prevent worsening health outcomes before they occur. When I was in D.C. and meeting with Omar Alejandro Ibarra, Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Nikki Budzinski, I recall him describing how the consequences of poor health legislation often aren’t visible in our communities until later. As such, it is important to advocate for policies that reform healthcare now to halt these negative consequences from progressing.
How Other Students Can Get Involved
There are many ways that students can get involved with health policy advocacy efforts, and it doesn’t have to be on Capitol Hill. Within AMWA, there are opportunities for students to be involved with our Advocacy Committees as well as intern to assist with the organization’s many initiatives that tie directly to health policies. Beyond AMWA, students can organize phone banks, write letters, or email their representatives in office, urging them to co-sponsor healthcare-related bills.
Conclusion
Even the smallest actions can lead to significant change. If we all thought that our contributions didn’t matter and wouldn’t be impactful, progress would stall significantly. But if we all contributed even the smallest bit to a cause we are passionate about, such as health policy advocacy, we can truly make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and communities everywhere.