News in brief

Applications now open for the AOA’s 2020-2021 Training in Policy Studies program

TIPS is a policy-based program for residents that provides leadership opportunities and education on current health care policy issues.

The Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) program is a policy-based program funded by the American Osteopathic Foundation that provides leadership opportunities and education on current health care policy issues.

Sessions will focus on physician payment models, health care reform, the Higher Education Act reauthorization, the opioid epidemic and current public health issues. Participants will gain experience in writing policy briefs and white papers, oral testimony, media training, and more.

This program serves as an initial leadership and policy program for residents wishing to become more active within the osteopathic profession. TIPS fellows have gone on to participate in the Health Policy Fellowship program, which has produced over 20 deans and college of osteopathic medicine presidents.

Program structure

Fellows will gain hands-on experience in policy by attending meetings led by experts, drafting policy briefs and papers, engaging in interactive training, and attending events that provide leadership and networking opportunities. Please review the 2019-2020 program agenda as an example of the topics and activities covered by the program.

The 2020-2021 structure will be modified slightly, with in-person events delayed until 2021. The program is comprised of eight meetings, with the first meeting taking place in mid-November as a virtual meeting. The updated agenda will be released soon.

How to apply

Complete the online application for the 2020-2021 TIPS cohort by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020. A complete application will include the following items:

  • An updated resume or CV uploaded to the application page;
  • A 250- to 500-word statement of purpose explaining why you hope to join the program;
  • A writing sample;
  • A nomination form completed by a reference who is familiar with your interest and/or involvement in policy.

We encourage you to make sure these items are ready before beginning the application. If your reference prefers, they may submit the nomination form directly to tips@osteopathic.org. Decisions will be issued in October and the first virtual meeting will take place in mid-November. While not necessary during the application process, selected candidates must become AOA members at the resident level by Oct. 15, 2020 in order to participate.

Additional resources

For more information and FAQs, please visit the TIPS Program page on the AOA’s website.

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