Osteopathic Health Policy Internship

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Leadership Institute

Applications for the 2021-2022 OHPI Program are due January 29, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021-2022 Osteopathic Health Policy Internship Program is being conducted virtually through online learning.

About

The Osteopathic Health Policy Internship (OHPI) Program enables osteopathic medical students to spend eight consecutive weeks working virtually with AACOM's Government Relations department. To the extent practical, every effort is made to identify the eight week period that best accommodates each student's schedule. The objective of this unique program is to allow selected student interns to develop knowledge of federal healthcare and higher education policy and how to have a foundational impact on public policy formulation. Past interns have gone on to become healthcare policy leaders, such as Policy Committee Chair of the AOGME Residents and Fellows Council, and Vice-Chair of Health Policy at the Emergency Medicine Residents Association.

Who May Participate?

The program is open to current osteopathic medical students. Selected students (typically OMS-III or OMS-IV) must obtain approval from their colleges of osteopathic medicine to count this internship as an elective rotation and receive academic credit. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

OHPI Responsibilities

Methods:

Observe and participate in the legislative and regulatory processes.
Monitor ongoing public policy issues for AACOM.
Observe and implement appropriate advocacy techniques.
Develop networking skills.

Application Process

Your application will consist of the following:

a letter expressing your interest in the OHPI Program
a brief position paper of no more than 3 pages, thoughtfully outlining an area of healthcare or higher education policy interest.
your curriculum vitae
at least three letters of recommendation

When selecting your topic, keep in mind current public policy issues of interest to AACOM (e.g., physician workforce, graduate medical education, health professions training, or student financial aid). Please browse AACOM's advocacy web page for the most recent policy issues of interest to AACOM.

Letters of recommendation should come from individuals outside of AACOM who can attest to your qualifications, academic record, character, and advocacy background, such as your preceptors and professors. Letters from institutional leadership are encouraged. Letters of recommendation from current AACOM staff are welcome but will not count towards the minimum letter requirement. Letters may be submitted with the application packet. Alternatively, applicants may notify the OHPI Program contact that the recommenders will submit letters of recommendation separately.

All complete applications are reviewed by AACOM. Please note: OHPI appointments are contingent on the successful completion of a background check. Background check release forms will be sent to the tentative appointees. The background check includes verification of Social Security number, county and multi-state criminal search, education and degree check, and a certification/credential check, if applicable. You may still withdraw your application without prejudice at this point if you do not wish to complete the background check process. Once background checks are successfully completed, OHPI appointments are officially announced.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2021 - 2022 OHPI Program are due January 29, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET

All application packets (letter of interest, position paper, CV, and at least three letters of recommendation) should be submitted electronically to Alexandra Tran, Policy and Regulatory Analyst, at atran@aacom.org.

Questions?

Contact:

Alexandra Tran
Policy and Regulatory Analyst
atran@aacom.org

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