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2023 TEXAS LEGISLATIVE
SESSION WRAP-UP

Medical Student Advocacy Through the

American Medical Association (AMA)

By Jiwon Park, BA

Riding the metro in Houston, I nervously arrived at Westheimer. The AMA also hosts the 2024 National Advocacy Conference to ad-
Serving women in substance use disorder (SUD) recovery, my experi- vocate for healthcare reforms on Capitol Hill, which will be held in
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ence at The Women’s Home catalyzed my passion for advocacy. Or- Washington, DC in February. The conference provides opportunities
chestrating a health-musicking organization called “Tunes for Life,” I for medical students to talk directly to members of Congress and po-
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hoped to promote healing by reflecting on themes embedded in music. litical insiders about key advocacy issues. Interested medical students
While the participants and I came from different backgrounds, sharing can learn more about AMA advocacy by joining their local chapter. My
memories intertwined with the music connected us. During one par- conversations at “Tunes for Life” led my journey to the AMA. Simi-
ticular lesson on Adele, the conversations inspired me to take a step be- larly, I strongly urge fellow medical students to advocate for issues dear
yond volunteer service. to their hearts and ultimately use advocacy to be at the forefront of
Reflecting on Adele’s “Hello,” one participant shared that the lyric’s shaping healthcare policy for both physicians and patients.
depiction of a one-sided phone call reminded her of her estranged re-
lationship with her daughter whom she lost custody of. Another shared References:
that the criminal justice system severed her relationship with her late 1. Bronson, J & Carson, EA. (2019, April). Prisoners in 2020 – statis-
father. These stories are not isolated. In fact, soon I realized that many tical tables - bureau of justice statistics.
women with SUDs were involved in the criminal justice system. Drug https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/p20st.pdf
use and possession played an important role in contributing to female 2. Al-Rousan, T, Rubenstein, L, Sieleni, B, Deol, H & Wallace, RB.
mass incarceration, with almost a quarter being non-violent, drug-re- (2017). Inside the nation's largest mental health institution: a preva-
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lated offenses. Yet, despite the system’s failure to facilitate recovery, the lence study in a state prison system. BMC public health, 17(1), 342.
justice system remains the largest institution in the U.S. to provide men- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4257-0
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tal healthcare for these patients. By working with fellows at the Baker 3. Medical student section (MSS) Guide to writing a resolution. Amer-
Institute of Policy and co-leading a year-long Alternative Spring Break ican Medical Association. (2023, June 22). https://www.ama-
Program “Women Beyond Bars,” I learned that lasting, impactful ad- assn.org/member-groups-sections/medical-students/medical-stude
vances for patients must start with changes to drug policies, policing nt-section-mss-guide-writing-resolution
4. Holm, AL & Davis, RM. (2004). Clearing the airways: advocacy
and healthcare accessibility. Thus, in medical school, I wanted to con-
and regulation for smoke-free airlines. Tobacco control, 13 Suppl
tinue advocacy by joining the American Medical Association (AMA).
1(Suppl 1), i30–i36. https://doi.org/10.1136/tc.2003.005686
While my passion came from advocating for women with SUDs, I want
5. Quality of School Lunch Program H-150.962. American Medical
to encourage all fellow physician trainees to channel their unique tra-
Association Policy Finder. (n.d.-b). https://policysearch.ama-
jectories to advance the practice of medicine.
assn.org/policyfinder/detail/Quality%20of%20School%20Lunch%
Healthcare does not exist as an island. Rather, it is intricately con-
20Programs?uri=%2FAMADoc%2FHOD.xml-0-636.xml
nected to healthcare policy on the state and federal level with various
6. Considering Feminine Hygiene Products as Medical Necessities H-
interests involved in how healthcare is delivered and accessed. Thus,
525.974. American Medical Association Policy Finder. (n.d.).
the AMA provides a powerful platform for medical students to catalyze
https://policysearch.ama-assn.org/policyfinder/detail/Consider-
change in organized medicine. In particular, AMA’s Medical Student
ing%20Feminine%20Hygiene%20Products%20as%20Medical%20
Section (MSS) shares the opportunity for medical students to build
Necessities%20H-525.974?uri=%2FAMADoc%2FHOD.xml-H-
experiences with advocacy. Through the annual and interim policy
525.974.xml
cycle, medical students can author resolutions that address gaps in
7. American Medical Association. (n.d.). 2024 National Advocacy
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AMA policy. Adopted resolutions that pass the House of Delegates
Conference. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-
(HOD) become AMA policy that guides AMA’s stance on key issues
assn.org/about/events/national-advocacy-conference
that impact physicians, patients and the healthcare environment. Pub-
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lic health efforts such as opposing smoking on airplanes, defending Jiwon Park is a medical student at the UT Health San Antonio
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Federal Child Nutrition Programs, and considering feminine hygiene Long School of Medicine, and she is serving as the AMA Chapter
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products as medical necessities all involved medical student advocacy. Delegate.

26 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • August 2023