The Role Students Have in Shaping Healthcare Policy
ASHAAR BAKSHI –
Political, economic, and social policies increasingly influence the field of medicine. An article by the NIH and Dr. Rajesh Gupta explains how traditionally, medical schools focus on the clinical aspect of medicine, emphasizing diagnosis and treatment. But Dr. Gupta states that, “It is crucial that medical students become well versed in this expanded vision of ‘health policy.’” Students, ranging from undergraduates to graduate students, play a vital role in shaping healthcare policies for the future; from research and education, to engaging in advocacy, to being our future healthcare professionals and policymakers, it is important that students engage in the field of healthcare policy. Below are four concrete ways to get involved in healthcare policy and make a difference as an undergraduate student, specifically as a UGA student:
- Education: The first step in reshaping healthcare policy is education. Students must gain a basic understanding of what healthcare policy is, its implications, and its overall purpose. Policies and access to healthcare vary significantly between countries, and there are notable disparities in healthcare between urban and rural areas as well. Many universities offer courses that explore the intersection of healthcare and policy, which typically fall under public health, political science, or healthcare administration. For example, the University of Georgia offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, which was developed to address the critical need for highly trained public health professionals. There are also dual degree programs that provide an additional aspect to the clinical knowledge of medicine, such as MD/MPH, MD/PHD, and MD/MBA programs. Education is always the first step in change, equipping individuals with the necessary tools and skills to make a difference.
- Clubs and Committees: Organized medicine organizations such as the AMSA or Red Cross offer a lot of opportunities to get involved. In his article, Brendan Murphy says these organizations offer networking and learning opportunities, including discussions with current medical school students and professionals in the healthcare field. Gaining a leadership position in a national organization or advocacy organization at the state or local level can help you get involved in local healthcare policy. Dr. Dowling, a health policy fellow and research instructor at George Washington University, said her involvement in organized medicine led her down her current career path. While these large medical organizations are useful for some students, others may prefer smaller, local clubs that aren’t nationally registered. At UGA, the involvement network has many opportunities to get involved in healthcare policy clubs, such as the healthcare sector of The Arch Policy Institute or the Period Project.
- Publishing and informing your local community: From writing about a passionate topic in healthcare to a formal research publication with a principal investigator, communicating to the public is extremely important with regard to healthcare policy. These publications amplify student’s voices and create discussion around healthcare policy. Publishing can also take the form of advocating to your local government or spreading awareness about passion projects in your local community. At UGA, Stethoscope Magazine is a great way to publicize your work and read other articles from passionate students interested in healthcare or policy. Another great opportunity for involvement is through digital activism. With the growth of digital platforms, students can use social media and other online tools to advocate for healthcare policy change. Writing blog posts, creating videos, and using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to raise awareness about policy issues and injustices in the healthcare system can generate significant discussion.
- Research and Internships: Many people say that experience is the best teacher, and healthcare policy is no exception. Getting first-hand experience working in healthcare policy is great exposure and can help facilitate an interest in the field, in addition to networking and building connections. Working with local governments or hospitals is a great way to tap into the healthcare policy scene, whether through volunteering or an official internship. Specifically at UGA, the Morehead Honors College offers a formal internship in healthcare policy, working with the Greater New York Hospital Association’s Department of Legal, Regulatory, and Professional Affairs.
In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, students have a critical role in reshaping healthcare policy. By focusing on education, getting involved in advocacy organizations, publishing research and opinions, and gaining hands-on experience through internships, students can help address the political, economic, and social issues that influence health outcomes.
Copy Editor: Pablo Ashi
Photography Source: https://www.bu.edu/shs/primary-care/services-we-provide/