SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH & REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE��

Reproductive Justice & 15 Years of The Affordable Care Act

Written by Becky Martin, Ģ����Ƶ Senior Manager of Reproductive Health Advocacy

Sunday, March 23rd, marked 15 years since President Obama signed into law The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare as many call it. Since its hard-won passage have signed up for coverage through ACA marketplaces – that means now get their health care coverage via the ACA. An have gained coverage through ACA supported Medicaid Expansion in 41 states and DC.��

�ճ󲹳�’s who now have affordable health care coverage here in the United States — thanks to those who knew our nation could do better and
raised their voices for change, and didn’t take no as the answer.��

We still have a way to go to achieve Ģ����Ƶ’s long-time goal of high-quality, affordable, accessible, sustainable, and equitable healthcare for all in our nation, and join the rest of the countries in the industrialized world in providing universal health care ensuring the human right to health care (Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 25).

At Ģ����Ƶ we believe reproductive rights are human rights. With our Reproductive Health Project we explore the connections between reproductive justice and health justice, and work to help students�� lift their voices for reproductive freedom and health care for all. ��We invite you to explore and share the resources below, to celebrate the gains we’ve made, and know that even in the face of the turmoil rising in our country today Ģ����Ƶ’s vision of HEALTH CARE FOR ALL is absolutely achievable & YOU can find YOUR people in Ģ����Ƶ!

– CBPP��

�� – KFF

Medicaid & ACA Medicaid Expansion in YOUR State & Congressional District��

– HealthCare.gov

: Importance & Impact – NWLC

: A Critical Policy That Must Be Protected – Guttmacher Institute

– KFF

Preventive Care Coverage for:

No gender-based premiums:
– KFF

Insurers Cannot Limit Coverage Amounts
– KFF

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World Cancer Day is not just a day of awareness—it is a call to action. It is a reminder of our collective responsibility to advocate for those battling cancer and to push for policies that ensure equitable access to prevention, treatment, and research (1). This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the immense global burden of cancer and, more importantly, to act as catalysts for meaningful change.

As someone who has had the profound honor of working with pediatric cancer patients and their families, World Cancer Day is deeply personal to me. It represents not only an opportunity to amplify the voices of those affected but also a chance to fight for a future where no child has to suffer from a disease that we have the tools—and the moral obligation—to combat.

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Progress in Pediatric Cancer Research and Care: A Foundation to Build Upon

Over the past several decades, remarkable progress has been made in pediatric oncology, transforming childhood cancer from a near-certain death sentence into a treatable condition for many. In high-income countries (HICs), survival rates for childhood cancers now exceed 80%, thanks to advancements in early diagnosis, targeted therapies, and comprehensive multidisciplinary care (2). This progress is a testament to the collaborative efforts of scientists, clinicians, advocacy groups, and philanthropic organizations working to improve pediatric cancer treatment outcomes.

One of the most significant developments has been the rise of precision medicine, which uses genetic and molecular profiling to tailor treatments to individual patients. Targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors for leukemia and neuroblastoma, have improved outcomes while reducing the toxic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy (3). Immunotherapy—including CAR-T cell therapy—has revolutionized treatment for relapsed and refractory leukemia, providing a new lifeline for children who previously had few options (4). Advances in proton therapy have also allowed for more precise radiation delivery, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which is especially crucial for young, developing bodies (5).

Leading institutions such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), and global pediatric cancer consortia have played a pivotal role in these advancements. These organizations conduct groundbreaking research, develop clinical trials, and create standardized treatment protocols that have led to significant survival gains across multiple pediatric malignancies (6). For instance, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)—once nearly universally fatal—now has survival rates exceeding 90% in HICs due to decades of research-driven treatment refinements (7).

Beyond research and treatment, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocacy groups, and philanthropic initiatives have been instrumental in supporting pediatric cancer care. Organizations such as the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), CureSearch, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) have raised millions to fund research, assist families, and expand access to clinical trials (8). These efforts have helped close some gaps in funding and care, ensuring that more children have access to life-saving treatments.

Despite these successes, pediatric cancer research remains critically underfunded and underprioritized. While progress has been made, these gains are fragile and at risk of stagnation due to shifting policy priorities, budget constraints, and systemic inequities that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable children (9, 10). Pediatric cancer receives only a small fraction of the total oncology research funding, with the vast majority allocated to adult cancers (11). The “rare disease” label attached to childhood cancers has led to pharmaceutical disinterest, as the market for pediatric-specific cancer drugs is perceived as too small to be financially viable. As a result, many children are still treated with decades-old therapies designed for adults, leading to long-term health complications and reduced quality of life for survivors (12).

Additionally, research disparities exist not just between pediatric and adult cancers, but also within pediatric cancer itself. Certain malignancies, such as leukemia and neuroblastoma, receive substantially more research attention than rarer pediatric cancers, such as pediatric brain tumors and sarcomas, which still have poor survival outcomes (13). These gaps in funding and research are not just unfortunate—they have real consequences for the children and families affected.

The hard-won progress in pediatric oncology is now at a crossroads. Without increased funding, policy support, and sustained research momentum, the survival gains of the past decades could stall, leaving many children without better treatment options. This is why we must continue to advocate for increased investment in pediatric cancer research—not only to save lives today but to drive innovations that could transform cancer treatment for future generations.

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The Global Burden of Pediatric Cancer and the CureAll Initiative: A Comprehensive Response

Pediatric cancer is a global equity issue, with more than 400,000 children diagnosed annually, most in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (14). While 80% of children in high-income countries (HICs) survive, survival rates in LMICs can be as low as 30% due to delayed diagnoses, financial barriers, and shortages of essential medicines and specialists (6).

Many children in LMICs are diagnosed too late, often after symptoms are misidentified as infections due to limited awareness and diagnostic tools (7). Even when diagnosed, families face immense financial and logistical burdens that make treatment unaffordable or inaccessible (8). Treatment abandonment—where families are forced to stop care due to costs or travel demands—remains a major issue, severely impacting survival rates (9).

A lack of essential medicines and trained specialists further exacerbates the crisis. Many hospitals struggle with chemotherapy shortages and treatment disruptions, forcing oncologists to modify protocols, which compromises outcomes (10). Moreover, pediatric oncologists are scarce, with some LMICs having fewer than one specialist per million children (11). Despite these challenges, local healthcare providers continue to lead life-saving efforts, developing innovative, resource-adapted treatment models. Their dedication underscores the urgent need for global investment, training programs, and sustainable collaborations to support pediatric oncology in LMICs (12).

Recognizing these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in 2018, aiming to increase survival rates in LMICs to 60% by 2030 (14). A central component is CureAll, a framework that strengthens healthcare infrastructure, treatment access, and workforce capacity through four key pillars:

1. Centers of Excellence and Care Networks – Establishing regional pediatric cancer centers that improve referral systems and access to specialized care (15).
2. Integration into Universal Health Coverage – Supporting government policies that reduce treatment costs, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent access to care (16).
3. Ensuring Essential Medicines and Standardized Treatment – Addressing chemotherapy shortages, securing reliable medication supplies, and implementing evidence-based treatment guidelines (17).
4. Monitoring and Research – Developing cancer registries and tracking treatment outcomes to improve quality assurance and healthcare planning (5).

Since its launch, over 20 countries have adopted CureAll strategies, with nations like Ghana, the Philippines, and Peru expanding oncology services and training more specialists (16). International collaborations with St. Jude Global, SIOP, and national pediatric networks have been critical in training oncologists, improving drug access, and advocating for policy reforms (17). Local pediatric oncologists and healthcare professionals remain at the forefront of these efforts, adapting global strategies to meet community needs. Sustained investment in their work is essential to ensuring long-term progress.

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A Personal Commitment to the Cause

During my undergraduate years, I had the profound privilege of volunteering in the pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant unit in Orlando. The children and families I met there changed my life forever. Their strength in the face of relentless adversity, their hope despite uncertainty, and their resilience through suffering left an indelible mark on me. It was in those hospital rooms, among beeping monitors and quiet conversations, that I found my calling in pediatric oncology.

I remember a five-year-old girl who, despite undergoing grueling chemotherapy, would dance around the unit as if her spirit knew no limits. I recall the quiet fortitude of a mother who never left her son’s side, holding his hand through every painful procedure. These children taught me the meaning of courage, and their families showed me the boundless depth of love. They are the reason I fight for pediatric cancer care. They are the reason I believe no child should have to battle cancer alone.

Beyond these deeply personal experiences, my time in the unit also exposed me to the stark realities of pediatric oncology—the systemic barriers, the funding challenges, and the sheer inequities that leave too many children without access to the care they deserve. Even in a well-resourced hospital in the United States, I saw the limits of clinical trial availability, the financial hardships that families endured, and the constraints placed on physicians trying to provide the best possible care within an often underfunded field. If these challenges exist in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, imagine what they look like in countries with far fewer resources.

These experiences solidified my commitment to pursuing pediatric oncology—not just as a future physician, but as an advocate for research, funding, and equitable access to care. My patients have given me purpose, and to them, I owe my career and future.

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A Call to Action on World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day must be more than a moment of awareness—it must be a catalyst for action. How we treat cancer, particularly pediatric cancer, is a reflection of who we are as a society. It is a measure of our commitment to equity, compassion, and the belief that no life is less valuable than another.

Pediatric cancer must be a priority in oncology research, funding, and policy. The survival gains we have made are the result of decades of scientific innovation and sustained investment—but this progress is fragile. Without continued support, breakthroughs in precision medicine, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies will stall, leaving countless children without access to life-saving treatments (5).

We must also address the stark disparities in cancer care. The fact that a child’s survival depends more on where they are born than on the biology of their disease is not just a medical crisis—it is a moral failure. The WHO’s CureAll Initiative provides a roadmap for closing this gap, but global cooperation and sustained funding are essential to making this vision a reality (14).

Beyond pediatric oncology, the way we approach cancer as a whole speaks to our values as a society. Cancer does not discriminate—it affects the young and the old, the rich and the poor. Yet, the resources we allocate, the policies we enact, and the research we fund define whether we choose to fight this disease with urgency and fairness or whether we allow systemic inequities to determine who lives and who does not.

This World Cancer Day, I urge you to take action in whatever way you can—by advocating for better healthcare policies, supporting cancer research, or standing with families affected by this disease.

Because in the end, how we confront cancer is about more than medicine. It is about who we are and the world we choose to build.

Resources and Organizations

Support pediatric cancer research and advocacy by engaging with these trusted organizations:

• – St. Jude provides world-class treatment at no cost to families while leading groundbreaking research to find cures for pediatric cancers. You can support by donating, fundraising, or participating in awareness campaigns.
• – PCRF funds cutting-edge research focused on improving survival rates and reducing treatment side effects for children with cancer. Get involved through donations, fundraising events, or corporate partnerships.
• – CureSearch advances scientific breakthroughs by funding research with the greatest potential to rapidly improve patient outcomes. You can help by donating, joining advocacy efforts, or participating in community events.
• – ACCO supports children and families affected by cancer through education, advocacy, and legislative efforts to increase research funding. You can take action by donating, signing petitions, or spreading awareness.
• – WHO’s initiative works to increase global childhood cancer survival rates through improved healthcare access and policy changes. You can support efforts by advocating for global health initiatives and sharing their resources.
• – SIOP unites pediatric oncology professionals worldwide to enhance cancer treatment and care for children. You can contribute by becoming a member, supporting global research, or attending educational events.
• – This organization funds groundbreaking research to advance childhood cancer treatments while offering support programs for families. You can help by donating, participating in events, or starting your own fundraiser.

These are just a few of the many organizations dedicated to the fight against pediatric cancer. Numerous other local and global groups are making a difference, so consider exploring additional ways to get involved in your community.

References:

1. World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day website. Accessed February 3, 2025. Available at: https://www.worldcancerday.org/
2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). World Cancer Day. NCCN website. Accessed February 3, 2025. Available at: https://www.nccn.org/home/world-cancer-day
3. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). World Cancer Day. PAHO website. Accessed February 3, 2025. Available at: https://www.paho.org/en/world-cancer-day
4. Kent EE, Breen N, Lewis DR, et al. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Childhood Cancer Survival. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2022;114(4):580-590. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9203027/
5. Adamson PC. Pediatric Cancer Research: Investing in a Future Without Childhood Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2023;41(15_suppl):10801. Available at: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK_320499
6. Shulman LN, Mpunga T, Tapela N, et al. Global inequities in childhood cancer care and survival. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(1):e240138. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2800607
7. Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Health Inequities and Pediatric Cancer Outcomes. Accessed February 3, 2025. Available at: https://pcrf-kids.org/2024/06/14/health-inequities-how-socioeconomic-factors-affect-outcomes-for-pediatric-cancer-patients/
8. Global Health Now. Cancer Care Inequities Costing Children’s Lives. Published September 2024. Available at: https://globalhealthnow.org/2024-09/cancer-care-inequities-are-costing-kids-their-lives
9. Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. A Heartbreaking Outcome: Funding for Childhood Cancer Research Cut from U.S. Spending Bill. Published December 31, 2024. Available at: https://pcrf-kids.org/2024/12/31/a-heartbreaking-outcome-funding-for-childhood-cancer-research-cut-from-u-s-spending-bill/
10. Pediatric Cancer Community Devastated as Funds Removed from Spending Bill. Published 2024. Available at: https://www.newsweek.com/pediatric-cancer-community-devastated-funds-removed-spending-bill-2004417
11. Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Pediatric Cancer Research. Accessed February 3, 2025. Available at: https://curesearch.org/federal-budget-cuts-threaten-pediatric-cancer-research/
12. American Association for Cancer Research. Pediatric Cancer Research Funding Rescued by Congress. Published 2023. Available at: https://aacrjournals.org/cdnews/news/1988/Pediatric-Cancer-Research-Funding-Rescued-by
13. Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Why Childhood Cancers Are Considered Too Rare to Get Research Funding. Accessed February 3, 2025. Available at: https://childrenscancer.org/why-childhood-cancers-are-considered-too-rare-to-get-research-funding/
14. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer – CureAll Initiative. Published 2021. Available at: https://www.who.int/initiatives/the-global-initiative-for-childhood-cancer
15. Vásquez L, Fuentes-Alabi S. Collaboration for success: the global initiative for childhood cancer in Latin America. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e144. Available at: https://www.scielosp.org/article/rpsp/2023.v47/e144/
16. Maradiegue E, Pascual C, Vasquez L. Strengthening public health policies for childhood cancer: Peru’s achievements through the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e132. Available at: https://www.scielosp.org/article/rpsp/2023.v47/e132/en/
17. Ortiz R, Vásquez L, Giri B. Developing and sustaining high-quality care for children with cancer: the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2024;47:e164. Available at: https://www.scielosp.org/article/rpsp/2023.v47/e164/en/

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The Ģ����Ƶ (Ģ����Ƶ) strongly opposes the executive order of President Trump’s administration to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO plays an indispensable role in global health security, disease surveillance, and pandemic preparedness. Its efforts have been critical in coordinating international responses to health crises, ensuring equitable access to lifesaving treatments, and establishing frameworks for addressing health disparities worldwide��

As future physicians committed to advancing public health and improving health outcomes—both domestically and globally—we believe this withdrawal poses significant risks to the health and well-being of people in the United States and beyond. This decision undermines decades of collaborative work in combating infectious diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS and weakens the global capacity to respond to emerging threats like COVID-19 and future pandemics. Moreover, it isolates the United States from a key global health body, diminishing its ability to influence international health policies and initiatives that directly affect the safety and security of its population.

Possible Impact on Public Health

The WHO provides essential support to the United States through:

• Pandemic Preparedness and Response: WHO’s early warning systems and coordinated efforts have been vital in managing public health emergencies such as COVID-19, Monkeypox, and Ebola. The U.S. relies on WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to track emerging flu strains, supporting vaccine development and preparedness.
• Global Disease Surveillance: WHO-led networks provide critical data on emerging health threats, aiding U.S. efforts to prevent and respond to diseases like Zika, SARS, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). WHO’s initiatives help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Evidence-Based Guidelines: WHO develops science-driven recommendations for disease prevention, treatment protocols, and health system improvements that inform U.S. health policies.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Mitigation: WHO leads global efforts to combat AMR by providing frameworks and surveillance data that support U.S. strategies to contain resistant infections.
• Vaccine Distribution: WHO initiatives such as COVAX facilitate equitable vaccine access, helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases to the U.S.

The decision to withdraw from the WHO threatens to disrupt these critical functions, weakening the U.S. ability to respond to global health emergencies and potentially increasing healthcare costs due to the loss of shared resources and expertise. By severing ties with the WHO, the United States risks losing access to invaluable data, technical guidance, and coordinated international efforts that are essential in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, this withdrawal could strain relationships with global partners, making it more challenging to collaborate on future health initiatives and compounding the financial and logistical burden on the U.S. healthcare system.

The withdrawal from WHO threatens to undermine these vital efforts and may create a leadership vacuum in global health governance, increasing the risk of delayed responses to international health emergencies that can directly impact American lives. Without the leadership and support of the United States, the WHO may struggle to mobilize the resources and expertise necessary to address pressing global health challenges. This absence of U.S. participation also sends a concerning message to the international community about the nation’s commitment to collective health security and solidarity during times of crisis.

Call to Action��

Ģ����Ƶ urges policymakers to reconsider this decision and advocate for continued U.S. engagement with the WHO. We believe that robust international cooperation and investment in global health initiatives are fundamental to protecting public health and achieving health equity. Reversing this decision would reaffirm the United States’ role as a global leader in health and strengthen the partnerships necessary to address pressing challenges, from pandemic preparedness to non-communicable disease management. In the face of global health challenges, unity and collaboration remain our strongest tools.��

Ģ����Ƶ stands ready to work with stakeholders to ensure that the U.S. remains an active and committed participant in global health efforts. We encourage policymakers to prioritize diplomacy and evidence-based decision-making in shaping the nation’s global health strategy, recognizing that these efforts directly contribute to the well-being and security of American communities. The Ģ����Ƶ (Ģ����Ƶ) is committed to advocating for policies that promote health equity, and global health partnerships. We remain dedicated to ensuring that public health remains a national and international priority. Through continued engagement with global health organizations, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Resources & References

To inform and support advocacy efforts, Ģ����Ƶ members may review the following resources:

8. &

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Fall 2024 Opportunities with the Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Project

This week we turn our SPOTLIGHT on three special opportunities available to Ģ����Ƶ members this Fall available through the Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Project.

• Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Mentorship Sprint – Fall 2024��

Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Mentorship Sprints are designed to pair interested mentors and mentees for a structured 4-week mentorship experience. Eligible applicants (current medical students) are paired by their indication of interest areas and a few other factors. We match you with a mentor/mentee with similar interests and provide resources to guide you through four mentoring sessions, one per week.

Fall 2024 Sprint Timeline

• • Mentor & Mentee Applications Open Now! Deadline Sept 30

Live Orientation Session

• • Monday, October 14 from 8-9:00pmET

Mentorship Sprint Mentor/Mentee Meetings Timeframe

• • October 21 – November 15

Reflections, Feedback, and Happy Hour

• • Friday, November 22 from 6-7:00pmET

Learn More & Apply Here

• Ģ����Ƶ Elective in Abortion Care, Family Planning & Reproductive Justice – Fall 2024

  (Non-clinical – 1 credit P/F Electives)

Seats are limited in this virtual, credit-bearing elective for US and international medical students (all years), residents, fellows, and graduate public health students who are passionately interested in developing and deepening their knowledge and skills in abortion care, family planning, and reproductive justice.

Fall 2024 Schedule:
Monday, September 23 – Friday, October 4, 2024
All sessions will be held from 1:00pm – 3:00pm ET via Zoom

No in-person components, this elective is conducted fully online, and may be taken for credit, or audited (not for credit).

• Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Scholars Program – Fall 2024

Ģ����Ƶ strives to empower physicians-in-training to effect change through education and advocacy. Ģ����Ƶ Scholars Programs are designed to provide medical and premed students with information not covered in traditional medical school curriculum and to foster an online learning community of future physicians.

The Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Scholars Program addresses the “hidden curriculum” in medical school and prepares students to think critically about abortion-related and education and training opportunities.��

Program Schedule: October 7, 2024 – February 24, 2025

Meeting Times: Mondays, Bi-Weekly, 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST

Learn More & Register Today!

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*Note: an excerpt of this Spotlight is included in Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Project eNews #27 – Sept 7, 2024
Subject Line: New Mexico State-backed Abortion Clinic, City of Austin Abortion Travel Fund & More!
Find the current and past issues in the Ģ����Ƶ Repro eNews Archive.

Explore the Ģ����Ƶ Reproductive Health Project
Find news, tips, tools, opportunities�� & more!

for Ģ����Ƶ Repro Project Updates

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First, let me introduce myself, my name is Dr. Michael Walls and I am Ģ����Ƶ’s National President. This is going to be the first of many Presidential Addresses so I can keep you up to date on what we’ve been up to and what we have coming up!

So what have we been up to? Over the past month, we finished up our Summer Repro Health Institute and brought together 120 students from across the country, including myself, to learn about advocacy, reproductive health, and how to be the kind of doctor who fights for their patients. We are also working with 5 chapters to host Manual Vacuum Aspiration trainings, with !

We also helped coordinate protests and meetings with their representatives at Eastern Virginia Medical School to advocate for the right to an abortion. EVMS and their leaders did an amazing job fighting for their patients and I want to commend them for their leadership.

With the help of our amazing Education and Advocacy Fellow Oak, we hosted a phone banking event to advocate for physician mental health. Did you know many state medical boards ask physicians whether they have sought mental health or substance use treatment? This discourages physicians from seeking help, so we called 26 state medical boards and demanded they remove these questions from licensing exams. Because of our efforts and a network of organizations dedicated to this issue, 24 states have already changed their licensure applications because of our advocacy. And if mental health is important to you, reach out to Oak��for ways to get involved!

This month, we also saw the largest health and environmental bill passed in decades, the Inflation Reduction Act. We released an official statement to commend Congress and President Biden for passing this legislation, which, while not perfect, takes great strides towards protecting the environment and lowering healthcare costs for millions of people.

Finally, because of the work so many of you have done, I was invited to the White House not once, but twice to represent the medical student voice! The first was the Future of Vaccines Summit to learn how we can start to educate our patients on vaccines to get us out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The second will happen in a few weeks to celebrate and further the work that came out of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Now what can you do to get involved?

The best thing you can do is to get connected with your local Ģ����Ƶ chapter! And if you don’t have one, start one! You can find all of the resources you need to start a chapter here and let us know how we can help!

Our Life + Leadership Program registration is now open! As future physicians, we are often seen as leaders in our community, our clinics, and our hospitals. This course will teach you some of the skills necessary to being a great leader.

Our Reproductive Health Project is also running strong. With the fourth year of the project starting in September, we kick off the new academic year with three reproductive health leadership programs: Reproductive Justice; Medical Ethics in Reproductive Health; and Career Pathways in Family Planning.

Finally, we are working on an event in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness for National Physician Suicide Awareness Day on September 17th by bringing together stakeholders and policy makers and discussing what we can do as a society to address this problem. If you would like to participate and help support this work, email myself or Oak and we will reach out soon!

I hope you found this month’s Presidential Address helpful and I hope to hear about what you and your chapter are up to soon!

In power,

Michael Walls, DO, MPH

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Today, President Biden took a remarkable step for millions of Americans in student loan debt by forgiving $10,000 and by taking steps to make education more accessible. Ģ����Ƶ applauds this initiative and encourages President Biden to continue making strides towards more equitable education.

There are in the country who are burdened with student debt in the United States. As the President stated during his announcement, this makes it significantly more difficult for them to buy houses, cars, health insurance, start and raise families, and otherwise participate fully in the economy. While the $10,000 loan forgiveness is not a lot for many people, even this amount will cancel the remainder of their balance and completely remove that burden from them. Of the roughly 42 million people eligible for this loan forgiveness, 20 million people would have the remaining balance of their income completely erased.

On top of this, President Biden takes steps to minimize the month to month impact on borrowers, allowing them to save more for the future by dropping the monthly payment maximum from 10% of discretionary income, to 5%. He is also ensuring that people will not need to pay for more than 20 years on any loan, or 10 years if the initial loan was less than $12,000. Meaning if you have been making payments for 20 years and still have not paid off your loan, the remaining balance will be forgiven. Twenty years is a long time, but considering that approximately a third of borrowers are over the age of 40, including 5% senior citizens, this will have a massive impact on millions of people.

There is no question that this will make a huge difference on millions of people. However, as medical students, we know this will have a small impact on the average medical student who owes over $240,000 in total student loans at graduation. Nor does it do much to solve the root of the problem of the cost for higher education. It takes steps towards promoting , but does not significantly lower the barrier for pursuing higher education. For medical school, Black students are 20% more likely to graduate with debt than their white counterparts with an average of $30k more debt.

So while we will celebrate the steps that have been taken by this administration, we also call on Congress and President Biden to take further steps towards making education accessible.

For more information from the White House, visit their .

To get an email notification when the application opens visit the .

This is an official Statement from the Ģ����Ƶ, written by Dr. Michael Walls, DO MPH, Ģ����Ƶ National President.

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On February 21, 2022, the world lost one of the most influential humanitarians of our time. Dr. Paul Farmer, a towering figure of global health equity, a champion of human rights, and an inspiration to millions, passed away at the age of 62. Farmer is survived by his wife, Didi Bertrand Farmer, and their three children.

Farmer’s passing was met with an outpouring of love and poignant memories. For many, Farmer epitomized the ideal of health care as a fundamental human right. He devoted his career to working for and in defense of the underserved, stigmatized, and disenfranchised. His tireless journey to normalize a “preferential option for the poor”—an adage that embodied his life’s work—stirred generations of future global health advocates and medical professionals.

Through his work, Farmer confronted the status-quo. For decades, many global health leaders deemed it impossible and cost-prohibitive to bring modern medical services and medications to the world’s poorest. Farmer rejected this idea. Instead, he revealed that, under guise of cost-effectiveness, exists underlying biases, misconceptions, colonial undertones, and systems of oppression that prevent the equitable distribution of medicine. Working in Haiti, Rwanda and beyond—tackling malnutrition, tuberculosis, HIV, and other plagues—Farmer and his colleagues demonstrated emphatically that providing world-class health care for the poor is not only possible, but also a moral responsibility.

Ģ����Ƶ had the honor to have Dr. Farmer share his vision for the future during the 2009 Annual Convention. In his talk, Farmer forced us to reckon with the realities of health inequity. He compelled us to imagine a world where people do not suffer from lack of food or from treatable diseases. Most importantly, he challenged us to defy the ambivalence that often comes from living in privilege, detached from the suffering of our fellow human beings.

In memory of Dr. Paul Farmer, we, as Ģ����Ƶ members, MUST fight against health injustice wherever it occurs. We MUST advocate for accessible medical care, affordable medicine, and the establishment of systems that support health equity. We MUST train future medical professionals that have the tenacity to confront the global health challenges of the 21^st century. And we MUST adhere to the principle that health care is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right.

Dr. Farmer’s legacy of medical humanitarianism endures through the countless people he inspired to act against oppression, ambivalence, and injustice. Although we mourn his loss, we also honor his incredible contribution to humanity and the standard of compassion, excellence, and selflessness that he established for future generations to follow. There is work left to be done. We must now carry the torch.

We offer our sincerest condolences to Dr. Farmer’s friends and loved ones, the��Partners in Health��family, his colleagues around the world, and to the many patients whose lives he touched.

Rest in Power, Dr. Paul Farmer.

Andres F. Diaz is Chief Editor of The New Physician Magazine. He is an MD/PhD candidate at the University of Arizona with a passion for oncology, addressing cancer care disparities, and improving health literacy. @AndresFDiaz10

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There are so many things to love about the Ģ����Ƶ + Kaplan partnerships– and we want to give you one more. We are looking for awesome Ģ����Ƶ members to join our Kaplan Student Brand Ambassador Program.Join the Kaplan team, get paid, AND get that higher MCAT score!

Our student brand ambassadors (SBAs) are talented pre-meds like you who connect clubs and their peers on campus to Kaplan through on campus events, networking, and social media – we simply call it making new friends.

As a Kaplan SBA, you will:

• Use your existing connections and your networking skills to build and strengthen Kaplan partnerships with clubs and organizations on your campus
• Deliver presentations to inform pre-meds about the path to med school and how Kaplan can help them achieve their MCAT goals.
• Leverage your social media networks to get other pre-meds engaged with our brand and our expertise.
• Drive student engagement on campus through events, activations, and more.

You will get:

• Extra spending cash. Our SBA positions pay $15/hour with opportunities for additional compensation in the form of bonuses and promotions.
• A higher MCAT score. Not only do you get competitive pay, you also get a free Kaplan course to help you succeed in your own educational journey.
• To live your life. With a flexible ~5-10 hour per week schedule, you’ll be able to balance being a successful SBA and an involved college student.
• To become an expert. With our paid training program you’ll have all the tools you need to become a successful SBA.

We are looking for awesome Ģ����Ƶ members to join our Kaplan Student Brand Ambassador Program. Join the Kaplan team, get paid, AND get that higher MCAT score!

Love what you see? .

Don’t see your campus listed? No worries, we will reach out when a spot is available. and we will be in touch!

If you know someone else who would be a good fit, please pass this along. Thanks!

—Kaplan Student Brand Ambassadors | ambassadors@kaplan.com

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lies in guidance. If you’re fortunate enough to have a strong advisor to help you navigate decisions — especially as you begin your medical school journey — it can make all the difference. Yet, not every student has that kind of advisor experience.

The Ģ����Ƶ Chapter at the University of Toledo College of Medicine recently wondered: How might this kind of support be augmented — IRL? Are there other effective ways to welcome in premed students from all walks of life? Surely, they mused, they could band together as medical students to help usher in new students in ways that are personal and deeply relevant based on their experiences and backgrounds.

“There’s something to be said about finding a mentor who gets you, Who came from perhaps the same background and/or had a similar experience,” says Diane Wei, M2, Ģ����Ƶ Chapter Co-President. “It can be reassuring to know that you’re not alone in this medical journey.”

Diane and her Ģ����Ƶ co-President, Michael Wong, M2, brainstormed with their chapter to see how to pair new students with relevant medical students in meaningful ways.

“We want to pay it forward, as advice and mentorship have been integral to our success so far as medical students ” quotes Michael, “So we thought: what if we offer premeds opportunities to forge early, long-term relationships with medical students? Not just ones that last a year or two, but lasting, deeper ones. And, at the same time, how might we offer medical students opportunities for leadership by serving as mentors?”

They got busy. First, they formalized a program on campus by reaching out to the pre-health advising center at the undergraduate campus last spring. They pitched this program as a strong means to bridge the gap between the undergraduate and medical school campus, and got the attention of the faculty.

From here, the Ģ����Ƶ chapter leaders recruited over 50 medical student mentors for the program, and drafted a syllabus with their faculty advisor and curriculum committee to make the program an elective for the medical student mentors. The program was approved and ready for action this fall — and is well underway.

What does it look like? The basic requirements for mentors are that they need to:

• Attend a mentor orientation
• Hold 4 hourly meetings with mentee with a curriculum as a guide for the conversation;
• Document meetings & write reflection at the conclusion of the year.

How does the chapter generate awareness of this program?

• Collaboration with another student organization on campus was a key driver in on-campus visibility — they combined forces for promotion, planning and event resources for the premeds.
• A UTCOM Ģ����Ƶ Facebook page was developed as a free, easy platform for mentors and mentee updates and collaboration, as well as a platform where medical organizations can promote their events to pre-meds.

How’s it going?

“So far this year we have had 100+ pre-med mentees and 65 mentors participate in this program. The feedback we have been receiving from both mentees and mentors is incredible,” says Diane. “It has truly been an honor to have been able to successfully launch this program and is comforting to know we helped make a difference in so many lives.”

Are you a chapter wanting to learn more about launching a similar program on your campus? We can put you in touch with Diane and Michael for questions & collaboration! Drop us an email members@amsa.org

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Increasingly more medical students across the country are raising their hands to get involved. To find ways to make change. To fix what’s not working in health care.

It is often the role of Ģ����Ƶ Membership Leaders to help pair students with Ģ����Ƶ, offering them a power source that they can plug their lights into — to learn to advocate, lead and prepare for a career in changemaking.

Today, let’s introduce you to a few of these connectors —��and explain how this Ģ����Ƶ membership network works, grows and strengthens.

How are we set up?��

We’ve got four levels of membership leaders, structured to best support members that are domestic and international, or in premed and graduate studies.

Let’s dive into each role and introduce you to this year’s Membership Leaders.

Meet the Trustees.

You may have heard their names and know a little about their areas of expertise — but here’s scoop on the Membership Trustees that you may not know. Get to know our Vice President of Membership, International Trustee and Premed Trustee below. These are the ones responsible for strategic oversight, ideation and overall Ģ����Ƶ growth.

About Ģ����Ƶ’s Membership Directors

Two Membership Directors are designated for each category: domestic, international, and premed. These leaders are responsible for ensuring that Ģ����Ƶ is continually evolving, strengthening and supporting growth — by overseeing, monitoring and guiding chapters forward. This year’s Membership Directors are:

Domestic Membership Directors

• Dalton Sullivan — University of Missouri, Kansas City — US Regions 1 + 2
• Deepa Kumar — Indiana University US Regions 3 – 5

International Membership Directors

• Rebecca Lawrence – All Saints University, St Vincent — imd1@amsa.org
• Olamide Sadik – All Saints University, Belair — imd2@amsa.org

Premed Membership Directors

• Aisha Chaudhry – University of North Carolina, Greensboro NC — pmd1@amsa.org
• Jasmine Hughes — Duke University, NC — pmd2@amsa.org

The Chapter Council — a U.S. pilot this year!

To start, we’re focusing on our domestic action. We’ve got a lot of great chapters eager to share what’s happening on their campuses — and ready to tap into the programs launching at Ģ����Ƶ National. This is where the Council comes in — these five charter members are going to help better merge our worlds together: local to national, and vice versa. Each Councilperson is designated a specific US region of chapters that they can support, listen to and serve relevant opportunities to. We’re excited about this year will bring.

• Joshua Loughran, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, DC — Region 1
• Madiha Khan, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine Chapter, NY — Region 2
• Logan Carlyle, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, AL — Region 3
• Osama Kamal, University of Missouri-Kansas City, KS — Region 4
• Jazmin Sevilla, Meharry�� Medical College, TN — Region 5

Putting it all together for Chapter Officers.

At-a-glance titles, roles and geographic focus.

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