RMED Student and Director Advocate for Rural Health

Members of the NEOMED Rural Medical Education (RMED) Pathway advocated for rural health and communities on Capitol Hill, where they visited with their legislators Feb. 7-9.

They traveled to the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Rural Health Policy Institute held annually in Washington, D.C. There, they learned a great deal about rural health policy and the legislative process. The Rural Health Policy Institute is an opportunity for people to:

• Develop rapport with their federal elected officials and staff

• Understand the importance and successes of NRHA’s advocacy

• Learn the new ways NRHA is advancing the association’s priorities

• Participate in NRHA’s Rural Health Disparities Summit

• Connect with their Congressional delegation to educate them on rural health policy priorities

Ohio was represented by seven people, including two students, one of whom was RMED student Brittany Ring (M2). Dr. Alex Heintzelman, RMED director, also attended and has for many years (even as a NEOMED student in 2010!).

Dr. Heintzelman says: "It was an honor to introduce students to the advocacy process in Washington, D.C. with the National Rural Health Association. Student doctor Brittany Ring was genuine and passionate about educating our elected officials on rural health needs important to our communities. It was an awesome experience to demonstrate how physicians can lead at a national level."

Brittany Ring says: "I am very grateful for the opportunity to advocate for rural health and have our elected leaders listening to the issues related to rural daily living. I am excited for these new connections and the ability to foster the relationship between future physicians and policy makers."