Academic Medicine Leaders Advocate for AAMC Priorities on Capitol Hill

On June 10, academic medicine leaders from AAMC-member institutions-joined by AAMC Chief Public Policy Officer Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP; Chief Health Care Officer Jonathan Jaffery, MD, MS, MMM; Chief Scientific Officer Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH; and Chief Academic Officer Alison Whelan, MD-met with lawmakers and congressional staff on Capitol Hill to advocate for policies that ensure access to care, support medical research, and safeguard access to medical education.

The leaders held more than 30 meetings with Republican and Democratic member offices in both the House of Representatives and Senate and urged lawmakers to reject cuts to Medicaid and Medicare as part of the reconciliation process; provide the AAMC-led Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research-recommended funding level of at least $51.3 billion for the NIH in fiscal year (FY) 2026, as well as ensure FY 2025 funding is obligated in a timely manner; and maintain access to student financial aid programs such as the Grad PLUS loan program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program [refer to Washington Highlights, June 6; June 6; April 11].

Further, the leaders highlighted examples from their institutions of how policymakers' failure to invest in clinical care, medical research, and medical education would harm learners and providers, as well as the patients and communities they serve.