OUWB goes to Lansing

A group of 20 from the OUWB community recently went to Lansing as part of the medical school’s first advocacy day at Michigan’s capital.

Held Oct. 9, the OUWB cohort — which included Christopher Carpenter, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean, OUWB — met with officials from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), and more.

The group also was introduced during a Senate Health Policy Committee meeting and spent time with Shaquila Meyers, OU ’10, chief of staff for Joe Tate, D-Detroit, Michigan Speaker of the House. They also toured the Michigan State Capitol building.

The overall intent was for the OUWB students to see politics up close and provide better understanding of the role they could have in the creation of policies and laws. Bonnie Bochniak, state relations director, Oakland University, called the day “amazing.”

“I applaud the OUWB students for taking the time to thoughtfully organize their legislative and public policy priorities alongside their ongoing busy studies,” said Bochniak.

“They thoroughly engaged with our speakers about certain public policy issues that were important to them and wanted to learn how these issues are handled at the state level and how our state government fits into the picture,” she added. “We plan to continue (offering) our learning experiences for them, as they will be helping our policy makers of tomorrow craft meaningful and impactful legislation.

“This is just the beginning.”

‘A great learning experience’

Shreya Desai, M2, led the effort, and said the day was a big first step in helping future physicians understand the potential of their impact.  

“I’m really happy with how things went,” she said. “I had so many students coming up to me and saying that this is a unique perspective that we haven’t had prior to coming here…perspectives that are really important for us (as future physicians).”

Half the day was spent at MHA’s office, located in the shadows of the Michigan State Capitol building.

According to its website, MHA “represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems in both the legislative and regulatory arenas on key issues and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care.”

Laura Appel, executive vice president, Government Relations and Public Policy, MHA, welcomed the group from OUWB.

“We hope you find this a great learning experience and that you understand how critical your engagement is,” Appel said while welcoming the OUWB cohort.

She noted that currently there aren’t any practicing physicians in the state legislature (one person is a retired doctor) and only two who have any clinical experience: a licensed practical nurse and a physical therapist.

“Out of 148 people voting, only three of them have any kind of real medical or clinical background,” said Appel. “Your input is highly important because you can help people understand.”

Sarah Nortelus, M2, and Sara Trumza, M2, chat while touring the Michigan State Capitol as part of OUWB's inaugural advocacy day in Lansing.

Two speakers followed Appel: Chardae Burton, director, Legislative Affairs, MDHHS, and Beth Nagal, senior deputy director, Policy, Planning and Operational Support Administration, MDHHS.

Nagal primarily talked about technology and health care, specifically regarding patient information. She also addressed the importance of physician involvement in politics.

“There are so many issues that need to be solved,” said Nagal, who added there is a large “gap between the practice of medicine and people who have ideas about the practice of medicine.”

Burton talked about her background, MDHHS in general, how issues become policy and law, and about various proposed bills related to maternal health, which was one of the day’s two topics of focus. She also helped students understand how to testify to lawmakers, should they ever have the opportunity.

Dawn Shanafelt, director, Division of Maternal and Infant Health, MDHHS, presented an overview of maternal health in Michigan, including the impact of health disparities. Shanafelt also talked about several newer programs aimed at improving maternal health, including a special pregnancy tracker app designed specifically for Michigan residents.

Similarly, Jared Welehodsky, a senior policy analyst for MDHHS, presented a big picture look at substance use disorder, which was the day’s other focus topic. He also talked about progress that’s been made on several fronts, including state harm reduction programs. Afterwards, he talked about what it meant for the future physicians to spend a day in Lansing.

“It’s critically important that students are involved in supporting policy development across the state,” he said. “With substance use disorder in particular…so much of it involves policy changes at the state level.”

“People need to be engaged and connected because that’s how we’re able to make changes,” he added.

At the end of the day, the OUWB cohort posed for a group photo in front of the Michigan Capitol

‘Optimism for the future’

The second part of the day started at a Senate Health Policy Committee meeting, where students were introduced by Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills. Webber said he was “very honored” to have the OUWB students and Carpenter at the meeting. The cohort also was able to watch part of the testimony given by a physician on a proposed bill.

Meyers then welcomed the students to the Michigan Capitol Building by explaining her roles and responsibilities. She talked about how physicians are involved in the legislative process and urged them to be engaged.

“Build relationships with your legislators so you can call them and tell them you heard about a particular bill or saw on the news that something is coming down that you might be having an issue with,” she said. “Pay attention to what’s going on.”

Following a brief tour of the Michigan Capitol Building, students generally said they felt even more inspired to get involved.

“It’s really, really, really motivating to be able to see what you can do and learn how you can advocate for your patients,” said Neel Patel, M2. “It’s amazing to be exposed to the tools that can be used to help your patients.”

M2 Meghna Iyer said she plans to combine her master’s in public health and future medical degree and “create sustainable change for health disparities in our communities.”

Not only did she gain greater understanding of how she might do that, but she also learned more about maternal health and substance use disorder — background she can immediately use as a member of Street Medicine Oakland and participant in other community projects.

“The day has given me a lot of background that I was looking for on those issues, especially as an out-of-state student,” she said. “I feel like I know more and can be more supportive to our Street Medicine team and our communities in general.”

It’s that kind of reaction that had Carpenter calling the day a success and “great experience.”

“The students’ eyes were opened about the impact they could have not just as medical students, but when they’re in residency training and are practicing,” he said at the end of the day. “And it once again opened my eyes to our students exceeding my expectations. It reminds why we have a lot of optimism for the future.”