The AAMC coordinated Capitol Hill meetings on July 16 and 17 for academic medicine and student affairs leaders from AAMC-member institutions to advocate for federal programs that support the physician workforce, invest in biomedical research, and promote access to medical education.
The leaders urged congressional staff to support at least $51.3 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $1.51 billion for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce programs in fiscal year (FY) 2026. Further, they urged Congress to support the reauthorization of the HRSA Title VII and VIII programs, which are set to expire at the end of FY 2025. Student affairs leaders also informed congressional staff about the evolving student financial aid landscape and advocated for adequate student aid options for aspiring physicians. Throughout the meetings, they highlighted examples from their institutions that demonstrate the need for continued investment in training future physicians and other health professionals to ensure a strong workforce.
(Pictured from left to right) Irena Tartakovsky, MD (AAMC); Joon Kim, EdD; Cherie Singer, PhD; Joel Maurer, MD; Donna Jackson, MD.