In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the John Tooker Evergreen Awards Program, the Evergreen All-Star Award recognizes Chapter programs that have contributed to the strength and breadth of ACP and its chapters, and demonstrated sustainability through successive leadership terms.
NYACP received this distinct honor for its Medical Student/Resident Advocacy Program, which has been active since 2007.
More about the internship program:
The Medical Student/Resident advocacy internship was developed for fourth year Medical Students as an elective accredited in collaboration with Albany Medical College. It developed into both a Medical Student elective and a residency rotation, and is limited to a full four-week service time in Albany, NY at the State Capitol. Working with medical schools and residency training programs in New York, students and Residents are given the opportunity to participate in activities related to public policy, advocacy, and public health.
Interns gain hands-on experience in the Chapter office, working directly with the Executive Director/Chapter lobbyist, Health and Public Policy Committee, and other Chapter leaders and staff. Interns are oriented to ACP and the Chapter structure, the State legislative process, regulatory agencies, and the members of administration. Functions include monitoring legislation as it moves through our Senate and Assembly, assessing proposed government policy relevant to public health and the practice of medicine, and direct meetings and communication with elected and appointed legislators.
Advocacy interns actively participate in this process by analyzing legislative language contained within bills identified as important to physicians, researching relevant clinical/practice issues, and creating draft position statements. Those who serve as interns are invited to participate in lobby days in Albany and ACP’s DC Leadership Day. Several members of the internship have become active participants in healthcare advocacy, as well as involved members of the ACP.