Strengthening Rural Healthcare Through Osteopathic Advocacy-Strengthening Rural Healthcare Through Osteopathic Advocacy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this detailed presentation, Sean Neal, Vice President of Advocacy and Political Affairs at the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and Dr. Ray Morrison, Vice Chair of the Osteopathic Political Action Committee, discuss the pressing issue of strengthening rural healthcare through osteopathic advocacy. They highlight the significance of osteopathic medicine (DOs) in addressing physician shortages, primarily in rural and underserved areas. The presentation covers the historical growth of osteopathic schools from 12 in the mid-1980s to nearly 70 today, emphasizing their commitment to training physicians for rural healthcare. Dr. Morrison details the training aspects and community impact, citing substantial economic benefits and job creation brought by DO graduates.<br /><br />On advocacy, Sean Neal outlines strategies for engaging with lawmakers on critical healthcare issues. Successful advocacy relies on building connections, personalizing stories, and providing clear calls to action. Neal emphasizes the rarity of legislation becoming law, explaining the importance of resilience and sustained engagement in advocacy. Various advocacy tools, including the Osteopathic Advocacy Network, are highlighted as resources for effectively communicating with policymakers.<br /><br />The session underscores osteopathic physicians' role in filling crucial healthcare gaps in rural areas, alongside initiatives like increasing Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education funding. Neal concludes by emphasizing partnerships between the AOA and state affiliates to bolster advocacy efforts using available resources, such as advocacy software and organized campaigns, to engage lawmakers and influence policy.

Keywords

osteopathic advocacy

rural healthcare

physician shortages

DO graduates

Osteopathic Political Action Committee

healthcare legislation

advocacy strategies

Teaching Health Center funding

American Osteopathic Association

advocacy tools