The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association dedicated to transforming health care by supporting the entire spectrum of medical education, medical research, patient care, and community collaborations conducted by our member institutions. We are dedicated to the communities we serve and steadfast in our goal to improve the health of people everywhere.

The AAMC’s Office of Government Relations (OGR) team is responsible for advocating on behalf of the nation’s medical schools and teaching hospitals to “improve the health of all” (from the AAMC mission statement). This includes covering a broad range of issues that impact these members, including in the areas of COVID-19 response, medical research, clinical care, health equity, and education. OGR staff work closely with policymakers in the Administration and in Congress, as well as government relations staff at member institutions.

Why us, why now: 

The Office of Government Relations Health Policy Intern will work closely with the association’s lobbyists on issues that impact medical schools and teaching hospitals and their patients and communities. This includes following key pieces of legislation, representing the AAMC at virtual briefings, hearings, and other meetings, and summarizing key information for AAMC staff and members. The internship will begin in September 2024 and end in December 2024. Internships will be for class credit.  

Development Opportunities: 

• Gain an understanding of the full range of legislative issues that impact academic medicine 
  
• Get a first-hand look at the political process, including direct lobbying, legislation development, and coalition building 
  
• Network with internal and external health policy experts 
• How you will make an impact: 
  
• Regularly attend or watch coalition meetings, briefings, hearings, and other relevant Capitol Hill events 
  
• Track key issues and prepare background information for AAMC staff, policymakers, and constituents 
  
• Research key issues and help prepare advocacy materials, including talking points and one-pagers 
  
• Assist with longer-term advocacy research projects that benefit academic medicine 
  
• Help edit and draft articles for AAMC’s weekly legislative newsletter, Washington Highlights 

• Coursework leading to a degree in political science, public health, public policy, science, or a related field
• Interest in health policy
• Basic understanding of the federal government and political process
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Interested candidates should submit an application that includes:
• Resume
• Writing sample of no more than 5 pages