Every year, the National Rural Health Policy Institute hosts physicians, nurses, medical and nursing students, hospital administrators and rural health policy experts to gather at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. to explore and contribute to the key policy issues affecting rural health in the nation. This year, Montana WWAMI Assistant Clinical Dean/Physician Educator Dr. Jay Erickson was accompanied by Montana WWAMI TRUST student Megan Ogle to attend the annual health policy conference and to meet with Montana’s representatives at the Capitol.
“Attending the National Rural Health Policy Institute provided me with the opportunity to learn about current and emerging rural health policies from U.S. senators, representatives, and the NRHA leadership,” Ogle said. “During the most impactful session of the first day, several speakers addressed critical rural health workforce challenges, including workforce visa policies, student loan caps, and persistent physician shortages in rural communities. On the following day, a group of Montanans involved in rural health—including professionals in medical education, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare leaders—traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with Montana’s congressional delegation. I had the opportunity to speak with legislators about Graduate PLUS loans and lifetime federal loan caps, highlighting how these financial policies influence the ability of future physicians to pursue medical education,” she added. “Advocacy has always been a passion of mine and having the opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers on issues that affect rural healthcare access was incredibly rewarding.”
Montana TRUST (Targeted Rural Underserved Track) is a four-year medical school curriculum that provides Montana WWAMI students with a longitudinal continuity connection with rural/underserved communities over their four years of medical school training. The goal of the program is to increase Montana’s physician workforce in rural locations. Part of students’ involvement in the program is to learn and lead as community health advocates. Montana TRUST sponsors students’ participation in such advocacy sessions and conferences.