The AOA’s “DO Day on Capitol Hill” provided opportunities for PCOM Georgia medical students to meet with legislators.
More than 30 PCOM Georgia doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) students joined about 1,000 physicians and medical students from across the country for DO Day on Capitol Hill from March 4-5, 2019 in Washington, D.C. The event provided opportunities for students to connect with legislators and potentially make a difference in healthcare policies.
First year medical student Hayley Arrowood (DO ’22) described her experience. “DO Day was a unique opportunity for us as future healthcare professionals to engage with our representatives about policy issues that affect us as constituents and as members of the osteopathic community. I found it to be especially important to represent PCOM Georgia as someone who was born and raised in Gwinnett County.”
Sam Berding (DO ’22) met with US Representative Jody Hice from the 10th congressional district, and discussed aspects of being a DO, as well as the importance of using health savings account funds for direct primary care, in addition to the reauthorization of the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education funding. He said, “DO Day was an incredible experience getting to learn about advocacy and policy.”
Before their visits to the hill, the students were prepared for the days’ events at a breakfast briefing. Their appointment schedules were set by the American Osteopathic Association public policy staff members.
“Attending DO Day made me realize there are so many things I have limited knowledge on,” said Nancy Jhanji (DO ’22). “Speaking to my state legislators, especially Rob Woodall, was my first opportunity to learn and advocate on matters that will impact me and my future patients.”
Arrowood concluded, “Overall it was a fantastic learning experience that hopefully made a lasting impact.”
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
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