Written by Madison Miller, MS3
A lot of people tell you that stepping into medical school is like “drinking out of a fire hose.” I might suggest that my Health Policy Fellowship experience matched this sentiment. However, not a drop of (hypothetical) water was wasted. From joining a meeting with primary care stakeholders across the state organized by Representative Matt Longjohn, MD, on my first day, to meetings with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), the MSMS Board of Directors and committees, advocacy days, and more, MSMS provided an excellent crash course into the world of health policy. While I had a breadth of exposure, a handful of experiences stuck out to me.
Engagement with the modifier 25 reimbursement policy BCBSM proposed in February (and subsequently paused in April) deeply impressed upon me the importance of physician voices in health care policy. While completing a project on compiling physician quotes and examples on the impact of changes to modifier 25, I was humbled at the passion in physicians' voices. Some lead with data, others deep concern, and some sadness, but it was the combination of every voice that painted a vibrant picture of the care physicians hold for the health and safety of their patients.
Additionally, being a witness to stakeholders convening to discuss investing in the future of primary care has emphasized the importance of combining bold ambition with continued humility to create meaningful change. I witnessed many bright minds collaborate to turn an idea into a mobilized effort to improve the health of Michiganders. This is a large task that would be impossible without collaboration from a diverse team of individuals.
However, overarching all of the many lessons I have learned is the importance of supporting organized medicine. I am so grateful to MSMS for offering this fellowship and to CMED for their group membership that allows their medical students to have access to this opportunity. I look forward to my continued involvement with MSMS and health policy for years to come.
MSMS deeply appreciates Madison’s contributions to health policy during her fellowship. We wish her continued success as she completes her medical training.