Students will:

• Spend eight consecutive weeks in Washington, DC.
• Attend key hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill pertaining to federal health care and higher education policy.
• Attend important meetings at federal agencies including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Cover coalition and stakeholder meetings and conferences as appropriate and directed by AACOM Government Relations.
• Provide support to AACOM Office of Government Relations by researching policy issues of importance to osteopathic medical education and aligned with the AACOM Public Policy Agenda.
• Deliver an advocacy and policy presentation at AACOM headquarters on a topic as determined and finalized with AACOM Office of Government Relations.

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 thoughtfully outlining an area of health care 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 the President or Dean of your school, preceptors, professors, and other individuals who can attest to your qualifications and character. Letters should not come from current AACOM staff.

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.