Advocacy Internship Reflections by Dr. Shafkat Salam

Shafkat Salam, MD

PGY 2
Internal Medicine
Northwell Health Northshore LIJ

Participating in the NYACP Advocacy Internship represents a pivotal opportunity to bridge my clinical aspirations with a deeper understanding of health policy. As someone deeply committed to internal medicine, this program aligns with my goal of becoming a physician who not only treats individual patients but also advocates for systemic improvements in health care.

This internship offers a unique chance to engage in activities such as monitoring new legislation, analyzing policies relevant to health care, and communicating directly with legislative officials. It also provides opportunities to connect with advocacy organizations and expand my network of like-minded individuals. To be able to do so during residency makes this even more meaningful, as it’s a time when I can focus fully on professional development and shaping the direction of my career. In particular, I hope to gain insight into the legislative process and how advocacy can lead to tangible improvements in health care. This knowledge is crucial for any physician aiming to advocate effectively for patients, ensuring that their needs and challenges are represented in policy discussions. Furthermore, the internship’s emphasis on analyzing governmental policies will strengthen my ability to assess how proposed and existing policies affect various aspects of healthcare, including access, quality, and cost. These skills are essential not only for identifying systemic gaps that affect my patients, but also for educating them about how policy decisions may shape their care.

Participating in this program also offers the opportunity to collaborate with a community of professionals dedicated to advocacy. Learning from experienced advocates, leaders, and fellow interns will broaden my perspective and equip me with a range of strategies for effective advocacy. These relationships will enrich my understanding and inspire innovative approaches to tackling health care challenges.

While in-depth legislative involvement is invaluable, I also recognize that meaningful advocacy can take many forms. Whether through collaboration with grassroots organizations or educating patients about available resources and programs, I envision myself engaging in advocacy in multiple ways. With the skills I hope to gain through this program, I can educate medical students and other residents about current policy issues that impact patient care and encourage them to participate in advocacy campaigns or join professional organizations like NYACP. For patients, advocacy can mean helping them navigate the health care system, empowering them to vote on health-related issues, or connecting them with community resources. Even without direct meetings with legislators, we can all be powerful advocates by using our voices and mobilizing our communities to push for meaningful policy change that improves health outcomes.

In summary, the NYACP Advocacy Internship is a transformative opportunity to deepen my understanding of the intersection between health policy and patient care. Through this experience, I hope to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a physician who is not only clinically proficient, but also a proactive advocate for equitable and effective health care. This internship is a vital step toward my goal of integrating advocacy into everyday medical practice to create meaningful, lasting change in my patients’ lives.