HPAC's Philosophy

Improving Healthcare Through Legislation, Education and Organization

AMSA's Health Policy Action Committee (HPAC) is dedicated to medical student education and grass-roots action around policy issues as a means of addressing and improving on the social and political forces that impact the our profession, the manner in which we practice, health of our patients and communities. From the private practice to the emergency room, from the wealthy to the uninsured, decisions made by local, state, and federal legislators as well as other regulatory bodies have a direct effect on the delivery of medical care to our patients. We participate in this process by fighting for a healthcare system that is fair, inclusive, and compassionate; that utilizes its resources for the utmost benefit of patients; and that seeks to preserve the integrity of the physician-patient relationship.

HPAC provides you with information on "hot" health policy issues and develops effective, easy-to-do campus and community projects to help you get your chapter involved in the local and national legislative process. We can help you design national and regional training institutes that teach activist skills and educate students about our priority issues. Whatever the need, whether in your own exploration of health policy or in taking on the issues in your community, HPAC is here for you!

HPAC encourages activism of all shapes and sizes - from casual discussions with classmates to lobbying legislators at the US Capitol. We suggest an integrative approach to health policy that incorporates education, coalition-building, and local and national action as the essential pillars of individual, social, and political transformation in health policy.

• Education - Not all issues are at the point of action. In some cases, education of other professionals or the public are needed to force political action. Through its ever-active listserve, email updates, info guides, Universal Healthcare Campaign, election materials, and easy-to-use PowerPoint presentations, HPAC will keep you informed on the hottest health policy topics and prepare you to share your knowledge with others. Educating yourself is the first step in successful activism, and HPAC will quench your thirst for knowledge.
  
  
• Organization - AMSA members are not alone in their struggle for healthcare reform. HPAC will connect you with fellow medical students and the vast network of local, state, and national organizations. We seek to make our actions and our words stronger by broadening and augmenting our voice with others who share our viewpoints on the issue of interest. We envision a global health policy community dedicated to healthcare justice and medical freedom.
  
  
• Legislation - AMSA knows from its numerous rallies, candlelight vigils, district and national lobbying efforts, letters-to-the-editor, and amazing chapter projects that when medical students speak out, people listen. Through our Local Project Database, Projects in a Box, lobby days, and Legislative Action Center, we will provide support and outreach for your innovative ideas in health activism. HPAC is here for you to get students involved in national campaigns, to aid in developing local activist events of your own, and to train the next generation of physician-activists.