What is the Student Initiative?

As future physicians, we have an obligation to ourselves and to our patients to be informed about the current state of health care delivery and to play and active role in shaping its future. Thus, we have created a network of committed medical student activists across the country working towards single-payer health reform. We have a student website, student.phnp.org, and a monthly email list which enable students nationwide to collaborate on ideas and/or advocacy projects. Whether you are new to health policy or a seasoned veteran, these resources provide you with simple ways to get active or to take on a leadership role.

We educate

Unfortunately, most medical school curriculums do not have the time to teach us about the nuts and bolts of health policy. However, these issues will greatly affect our future practices, and thus it is of paramount importance that we understand the current state of our system and how we can change it for the better. The student initiative’s mission is to educate other medical students and the public about what single payer is and, more importantly, what it’s not.

We effect real policy change

As student doctors, many of us feel passionate about reforming our system but helpless as an advocate for policy change. However, it is important to realize that elected officials rely on feedback from their constituency to help shape their policy positions. Student lobby days in places such as New York, Philadelphia and California have already been successful in gathering endorsements and co-sponsors for HR 676, the U.S. House of Representatives legislation proposing single-payer, as well as for various state initiatives.

Join us at our Annual Meeting & Leadership Training!

October 24-25, 2008

Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

Financial Assistance may be available for Students. Contact matt@pnhp.org for more information

To register online, please click here.