Fellows Advocacy Curriculum

The intention of the didactic curriculum is to provide fellows with a broad overview of the health policy landscape in the United States and North Carolina. Each session follows a specific theme that includes an introduction to the structure of government and healthcare payment models in the United States, the impact of government policies on the physician workforce, the patients they treat, and the various ways that physicians can “do” advocacy. Sessions are in-person and interactive. Almost all talks are given by guest speakers from across Duke campus and across the country. The curriculum is purposely flexible to allow for changes in topics and speakers based on the fellows’ specific interests.

Fellows are responsible for completing several self-directed tasks. For example, they are encouraged to reach out to their professional society/societies to learn about the policy issues that are most relevant to their subspecialty and the patients they serve. With guidance from the FAC director, and in collaboration with their peers, they develop an advocacy platform of the group's choosing. These tasks will involve 2-4 hours of work between each session.

The curriculum will culminate in a trip to Raleigh, NC or Washington, D.C. (depending on advocacy topic) in the spring. While there, fellows will meet with legislative staffers and present their advocacy platform. The FAC director and the Duke Office of Government Relations will also work to arrange meetings with members of the Administration (e.g., Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services) and professional societies (e.g., AAMC, Academy Health) to learn more about effective approaches to advocacy on the fellows' chosen topic.