AACOM Announces 2024-2025 Osteopathic Health Policy Interns

Annie Lorelei Hoffman and Jessica Fung chosen for prestigious program

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is pleased to announce the selection of two exceptional osteopathic medical students as the 2024-2025 Osteopathic Health Policy Interns. Following a highly competitive review process, Annie Lorelei Hoffman from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and Jessica Fung from Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine have been chosen to participate in AACOM’s prestigious Osteopathic Health Policy Internship (OHPI) Program.

Part of AACOM’s Leadership Institute, the OHPI Program provides a unique opportunity for osteopathic medical students to deepen their understanding of federal healthcare and higher education policy. This program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for students to make a foundational impact on public policy formulation.

Rising third-year students Annie Lorelei Hoffman and Jessica Fung will spend eight consecutive weeks working virtually with AACOM’s Government Relations department. During their internships, they will engage in various activities, including observing and participating in legislative and regulatory processes, monitoring ongoing public policy issues, discovering and implementing effective advocacy techniques and developing essential networking skills.

Meet the OHPIs

Annie’s passion for advocacy has driven her to collaborate with local medical associations and legislators to create meaningful change in her community. Her efforts include assisting in the drafting of legislation related to psychiatry, her area of interest, and working closely with state medical associations on reproductive health advocacy. Annie has also represented osteopathic medicine in the state legislature alongside her medical school president

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the AACOM OHPI program,” said Annie. “With a growing interest in pursuing a career in health policy, I have engaged in healthcare advocacy at the state level. The OHPI program provides students with the unique opportunity to learn from the AACOM Government Relations team about healthcare advocacy at the national level and assist with their organizational goals. I look forward to advocating for osteopathic medicine and healthcare that supports our diverse population.”

Jessica’s interest in health policy began when she observed how social determinants of health interventions are affected by policy and funding. As president of the student chapter of the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California at her medical school, she worked with her student board to organize a health policy speaker series and create a health policy elective. These initiatives aim to empower future DOs to engage in advocating for osteopathic medicine and promote quality, effective and affordable healthcare

“Throughout my education, I have been fortunate to collaborate with underserved communities within both public health and medical contexts,” said Jessica. “These experiences have highlighted to me the distinctive capacity of osteopathic physicians to address the challenges of today’s healthcare environment. I am deeply honored and enthusiastic to further my engagement in health policy through the OHPI Program, enhancing my advocacy for the osteopathic profession and advancing improvements in healthcare delivery and accessibility.”

AACOM looks forward to the contributions Annie and Jessica will make during their internships and beyond, as they apply their knowledge and passion to advance the field of osteopathic medicine and healthcare policy.

About AACOM:

Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 36,000 future physicians—25 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 41 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 66 teaching locations in 35 states. To learn more about AACOM, please visit our website.

Contacts:

Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org

Christine DeCarlo
Senior Manager of Media and Public Affairs
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org