AACOM Applauds Appointment of Brookshield Laurent, DO, to the Federal Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry

Appointment ensures osteopathic medicine has a voice in future policy recommendations

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – Today, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) congratulates Brookshield Laurent, DO, on her appointment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry(ACTPCMD). Nominated by AACOM, Dr. Laurent will serve a three-year term on the Committee.

“We are very proud and excited to see the appointment of Dr. Laurent,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “It is critical that osteopathic medicine has a seat at the table where policy recommendations and program funding discussions that impact medical education and the medical profession are taking place. Dr. Laurent also brings a vital perspective on health equity from her work in rural and underserved communities. She will be a great asset to the Committee and a strong representative for osteopathic medicine.”

The ACTPCMD provides advice and recommendations to the HHS Secretary concerning policy and program development and other matters of significance concerning medicine and dentistry activities. Additional activities include developing and implementing performance measures and recommending funding levels for certain federal programs. The Committee comprises 14 members representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the medical and dental communities.

“Our healthcare systems require integrated and holistic policy interventions that provide high quality, affordable and equitable opportunities of health for all,” said Dr. Laurent. “I am honored to serve as an Osteopathic Family Medicine Physician on the ACTPCMD Federal Advisory Board to contribute toward its great mission and advance health in this country.”

Brookshield Laurent, DO earned her doctorate in osteopathic medicine in 2009 from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey. She then received specialty training in family medicine at Christiana Health Care System in Wilmington, Delaware. She joined the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) in 2012. In 2016, Dr. Laurent was appointed chair of the Department of Clinical Medicine at NYITCOM’s site at Arkansas State University. There, she leads faculty of multiple clinical specialties and spurs professional and leadership development. Additionally, Dr. Laurent serves as the executive director for the Delta Population Health Institute, where she leverages resources in education, research, policy and community engagement to bring about policy, system and environmental change.

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