Advocacy Internship Reflections by Dr. Amanda Lee

Amanda Lee, MD

PGY 2
Internal Medicine
Northwell Health Northshore LIJ

As a resident, advocacy is something that we strive for every day in our patient care, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. Whether it’s conducting peer-to-peer reviews with insurance companies to obtain approval for essential medications or advocating for appropriate patient placement after a hospital stay, advocacy is deeply woven into our clinical responsibilities. These forms of advocacy are often reactive and tied to specific patient needs, and while they are critically important, they represent only one dimension of what it means to be an advocate. The broader landscape of health policy and legislation—where decisions are made that shape the structure of our healthcare system—is often less visible to us, and as residents, we rarely have the chance to engage in this essential arena.

Due to our demanding schedules and the intense focus on direct patient care, we are often not equipped with the skills nor aware of the tools needed to advocate effectively at the legislative level. This gap can leave physicians underrepresented in critical conversations that impact not only our patients but also the sustainability and fairness of our healthcare system.  I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to participate in the NYACP Advocacy Internship, which is specifically designed to bridge the gap between medical professionals and policymakers. I am especially drawn to the program's commitment to empowering physicians to engage meaningfully in healthcare reform at the state level.

Though I may lack formal advocacy experience prior to beginning this internship, I am deeply committed to learning how policy shapes the practice of medicine. I see this as a natural extension of my clinical role—a chance to contribute to patient care not only at the bedside but by shaping the infrastructure that define what care looks like. My goal is to become an active participant in policy discussions, and I believe the NYACP Advocacy Internship will be the starting point in this journey.

Another key aspiration I have is to improve my ability to communicate effectively with elected and state-appointed officials. Physicians are uniquely positioned to offer insights informed by clinical experience, but without proper training, those insights often remain unheard. By participating in this program, I hope to learn how to craft compelling, evidence-based advocacy messages, develop strong policy arguments, and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders and lawmakers. The opportunity to work closely with NYACP staff and mentors will be invaluable in developing these skills.

I am particularly excited to focus my advocacy project on health equity, with a specific interest in addressing disparities in healthcare delivery and access to care for underserved and marginalized communities. I hope to select a topic that reflects real-world challenges faced by internal medicine and primary care providers and use it to explore how state and federal policies affect outcomes in these populations.

Ultimately, I hope this internship will help me grow into a well-informed, proactive advocate. I aim to carry the tools and lessons I gain here throughout my career and integrate advocacy into my daily practice.