Community Voices

Sharing your perspective on policy issues is a powerful way to advocate on behalf of yourself, patients, and others in the medical community who have been impacted by various federal programs, initiatives, and legislation. It also shows policymakers how critical these programs are to ensuring the health of our 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

Supporting both undergraduate and graduate medical education is VITAL to the future health and well-being of our country. We are suffering from medical deserts in urban and rural areas where caring and compassionate physicians are needed.

- Jonathan

I sent a letter to my representative because medical research is important for discovering new information about people, diseases, cures, and more. As a community health worker, I understand and want to see more health equity for many people including the underserved and underrepresented.

- Charlene

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

I entered medicine to work with underserved communities. The reality is that to do that work, you often take a considerable pay cut. The interest rates on my federal student loans are much higher than most home and car loans. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is one reason why I chose to enter medicine. If we don't keep PSLF, many will lose the incentive to work with those who have the greatest need.

- Darshan

I decided to become a doctor to build longitudinal relationships with my patients and with my community so that we can achieve health in its most inclusive definition: physical, mental, and emotional health in the setting of a more equitable society. My family and I have never been rich though, and one of the things that allowed me to pursue my dream was the opportunity to have my loans forgiven.

- Yang

I am passionate to advocate for patients who are disadvantaged and underserved in medicine. I grew up socioeconomically disadvantaged and in a Spanish-speaking home. I experienced firsthand the disparities that currently exist in the medical field. Because of my background and personal experiences I am eager to be an advocate and positively influence those patients in greater need of a voice. PSLF will provide a feasible pathway for me to be able to provide this service to our constantly changing patient community.

- Claudia