Community Voices

Sharing your perspective on policy issues is a powerful way to advocate on behalf of yourself, patients, and others in the academic medicine community who are impacted by and benefit from various federal programs, initiatives, and legislation. It also shows policymakers how critical these programs are to ensuring the health of patients, communities, and the health care workforce.

The AAMC Action community collects stories year-round to serve as powerful reminders of why it’s important to advocate for Graduate Medical Education (GME), medical research, health equity, and other key issues. View the unique insights from other community members below.

Share with Your Community

Join other AAMC Action community members who help advocate for the academic medicine community and share your connection to the below issues.

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Emergency Preparedness

It is important to prioritize medical students and physicians as human beings and scholars. Empathy can not only be reserved for patients.

- Mahindra

As a first generation Latinx who grew up in a single mother household I experienced period poverty. While in highschool, I was able to persuade the public school district where I attended school to stock up on menstrual products in their bathrooms from 6th grade to 12th grade. I felt passionate about this because there were times in high school where purchasing menstrual products was a financial burden. I am excited that the superintendent of the school district responded promptly and will be implementing menstrual products in all bathrooms. As I apply to medical school this coming year I have understood the importance of being voice of those who are unable to speak or may feel discouraged to speak up.

- Jennifer

Congress MUST continue supporting priorities such as emergency preparedness and health equity. If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all everything, it's that thorough preventative planning is necessary to make sure that an emergency does not turn into a crisis.

- Mitchel

Financial support is crucial in times like these with funds to support the endeavors of the brightest minds willing to do the toughest work. Ultimately, the outcome benefits us all with a clearer path to understanding all the questions associated with human suffering and human triumph. NIH Funding is a crucial investment in the now as we wait for breakthroughs in medicine, treatment and pharmaceuticals in the future.

- Drusilla

I sincerely urge the lawmakers to increase the residency seats for Psychiatry GME program all across United States especially considering the post pandemic mental health challenges people are facing.

- Syed

I'm an M.D. Ph.D. student in an NIH funded Medical Scientist Training Program. I believe our clinically-informed perspective allows us to conduct clinically-relevant research that actually translate to patients. Our training relies on NIH funding. NIH funding is a remarkable investment in improving the health and well-being of the citizens of the U.S.

- Max