Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship Introduces Alumni Program for the 2020-2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our world in many ways.  For the 2019-2020 class of the Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship (OHPF) these challenges have led to the cancellation of several sessions, moving to a virtual platform, and extending the program year through this December.  Given ongoing travel restrictions, concern for the health and safety of all involved with the program, and the value placed on meeting in person, we also made the decision to cancel the traditional program for 2020-2021.

Out of crisis, however, comes opportunity.  (https://thedo.osteopathic.org/2020/08/the-covid-19-window-high-ground-health-policy-during-times-of-crisis/)

Beginning in October of 2020, the Fellowship will offer a year-long, no cost, virtual program to reengage the 26 years of alumni.  Meetings will be held once every two weeks for 90 minutes.  Alumni are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.  The year’s objectives include:

• Revisiting the foundational, high-ground principles of the Fellowship,
• Engaging participants in meaningful discussions about important issues facing healthcare and population health in today’s world,
• Developing alumni workgroups concerning perennial and emerging issues, and
• Fostering dissemination of information through writing opportunities, which would include articles for professional and academic outlets and evidence-informed issue briefs and reports, housed and distributed by the Fellowship through its website.

We encourage Fellowship alumni to watch their email in mid-September for more information, including a registration link to sign up for the OHPF Alumni Fellowship.