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Photos courtesy of Kathryn Brandt and Miranda Lawell

Maine’s only medical school at the University of New England was strongly represented at a national gathering of osteopathic medical students and physicians, where participants met with lawmakers to discuss key issues shaping the future of health care and medical education.

Students and faculty from the 91��Ƭ�� College of Osteopathic Medicine, joined by representatives from the (MOA), traveled to Washington, D.C., for the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) annual “D.O. Day on the Hill,” held March 25–26. The event brings together medical students and physicians from across the country to advocate for policies that impact patient care, physician training, and access to health services.

Throughout the two-day event, participants received policy briefings and advocacy training before meeting with members of Congress and their staff. Conversations focused on a range of national priorities, including physician workforce shortages, Medicare payment stability, pathways to reduce student loan debt, and improving access to care — particularly in rural and underserved communities — and ensuring stable reimbursement models that allow physicians to provide high-quality care.

For students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM), the experience offered an opportunity to connect their medical education with real-world policy decisions that will directly affect their future patients and impact the profession.

“The process that unfolds in Washington can feel distant and difficult to grasp,” said James Gray (D.O., ’28). “This experience changed that. D.O. Day made advocating for our patients and our profession feel tangible and real. For me, it made the idea of creating change feel possible.”

91��Ƭ�� has long emphasized the role of physicians as advocates — not just in clinical settings, but also in shaping systems that support whole-person care. As Maine’s only medical school, the college plays a critical role in preparing future physicians to serve the state’s workforce needs, particularly in primary care and rural health.

Students met with all four members of Maine’s congressional delegation, reinforcing the strong relationship and support between 91��Ƭ�� and state and federal policymakers. 

“Meeting with Maine legislators at D.O. Day on the Hill transformed advocacy from an abstract idea into something personal and actionable,” said Miranda Lawell (D.O., ’28). “Their clear awareness of and support for 91��Ƭ�� COM reflected the strength of a long-standing partnership between our school and the state.”

Lawmakers’ reception to policies aimed at expanding residency positions, stabilizing physician payment, and improving patient access aligns closely with 91��Ƭ��’s mission to prepare physicians who are responsive to community needs, said Clinical Professor Kathryn Brandt, D.O. ’97, an alum of the 91��Ƭ�� College of Osteopathic Medicine who is now chair of the college’s Department of Primary Care. 

Brandt said the event underscored the importance of introducing students to advocacy early in their careers.

“Advocacy became necessary in order to practice medicine in a way that works for patients and physicians,” she said. “I’m glad to see so many students making this connection at the beginning of their careers.”

Brandt, who is also president of the Maine Osteopathic Association, noted the significance of Maine’s visibility at the national level, emphasizing that support for osteopathic medicine among the state’s congressional delegation reflects years of collaboration and shared priorities.

That national recognition was strengthened as Austin Vaughan, D.O. ’25 received the AOA's Individual Excellence in Advocacy Award as the Resident recipient, which MOA Executive Director Amanda Mahan said is a testament to the strong culture of advocacy fostered by MOA and 91��Ƭ�� COM. 

“MOA appreciates our strong connection to our Congressional leaders, and their commitment to making time to connect with us while we are in D.C. on issues most affecting osteopathic physicians and students,” Mahan said.

Participation in D.O. Day on the Hill reflects 91��Ƭ��’s broader commitment to preparing physicians who treat the whole patient and understand the systems that influence health outcomes. By engaging directly with policymakers, students gain insight into how legislation shapes clinical practice — and how physicians can help drive meaningful change.

As the demand for physicians continues to grow nationwide, particularly in primary care and rural communities, experiences like this reinforce the role of future doctors not only as caregivers, but as advocates working to strengthen the health care system for the communities they serve.

Mahan said it is this face-to-face interaction with lawmakers that makes D.O. Day one of her favorite annual events.

 “D.O. Day also represents an important opportunity to connect with our 91��Ƭ�� COM student members and create core memories that illustrate the importance of advocacy, connection and relationships,” Mahan added.