Today the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) announced Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, as its new chief public policy officer. Turnipseed brings more than 20 years of health care policy experience and joins the AAMC from the American Medical Association's Division of Federal Affairs, where she advocated for critical issues impacting physicians and the nation’s health care system with key government agencies. She will join the AAMC on Nov. 1.
In her new role, Turnipseed will lead the AAMC’s advocacy and public policy efforts and work to advance legislative and regulatory priorities related to medical education, health care delivery, medical research, and community collaborations. She succeeds Karen Fisher, JD, who retired earlier this year after a distinguished career in health policy and advocacy and nearly 20 years of service to the AAMC.
“Danielle has an exceptional background in health care policy and advocacy, and her outstanding qualifications made her a standout among a robust and diverse slate of candidates,” said David J. Skorton, MD, AAMC president and CEO. “I’m thrilled to welcome her to the AAMC as she brings her expertise to this important role in advancing public policy efforts that support the missions of the nation's medical schools and teaching hospitals.”
A former health policy advisor to two U.S. senators, Danielle is a thought leader on important health topics including value-based care, population health, supplemental benefits, and digital solutions. She previously worked for America’s Health Insurance Plans, where she managed a multi-million-dollar grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention targeting diabetes prevention, and she also worked for the National Academy of Medicine as a program officer. Danielle’s engagement with stakeholders and health coalitions has included the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. She has worked on health policy and prevention efforts with an emphasis on health disparities, social determinants of health, chronic conditions, women’s issues, and federal programs. In her roles, Danielle has provided industry analysis and insight for key stakeholders and has been instrumental in developing state Medicaid policies for preventive services.
“The academic medicine community's reach in improving health for people everywhere is nothing short of impressive, and I am beyond excited and ready to work with the AAMC's constituents and government relations team to advance our priorities and to achieve policy progress," said Turnipseed.
Turnipseed received her undergraduate degree from Duke University, her law degree from the University of Maryland, and her public policy and public health dual degrees from the University of Michigan. A member of several nonprofit boards, she resides in Montgomery County, Maryland.