Elizabeth McMurtry, DO, FACEP
Assistant Dean Clinical Education & Faculty Development
David Miller, DO
PNWU Class of 2013
Drs. Elizabeth McMurtry and David Miller (PNWU Class of 2013) were recently accepted to the 2021-2022 class of AACOM’s Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship (OHPF). A year-long experiential training program for osteopathic physicians and other associated health professionals, the OHPF aims to help fellows develop the skills needed to analyze, formulate and implement health policy on the local, state and national levels.
“There is a competitive application process, and it is an honor to be chosen for this opportunity,” said Dr. Anita Showalter, PNWU’s Associate Dean for Clinical Education.
“We anticipate that this Fellowship year will be one of the most meaningful in our history,” said OHPF Co-Directors Al Pheley, PhD, and Dan Skinner, PhD, in an email announcing the news to Dr. McMurtry. “The experience of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; an evolving political climate; changes in access to quality, affordable care; emerging dynamics in scope of practice and health care delivery; and other issues contribute to an uncertain but exciting policy climate. All of us will be challenged to remain at the high ground as we work through the many issues presented over the year.”
Dr. McMurtry anticipates a variety of key issues, including an evolving landscape of equitable delivery of healthcare, inclusive access to medical education and medical training, and diverse perspectives on how to accomplish our national goals towards a healthier America, will be the focus of the groups work this year – all of which have been highlighted by the inequities wrought by the pandemic and the need for health justice.
“I brought my osteopathic training into the work of advocacy in the emergency department by weaving the many aspects of an individual’s life together to tell the complete story,” explained Dr. McMurtry, “trying to view every situation, every patient, every peer, as a whole entity. After hearing so many individual stories, I am excited to broaden my scope and incorporate policy writing into my advocacy for patients, osteopathic medicine, and the health of our nation. I am grateful to be provided the opportunity to engage in this foundational work, supported and encouraged by PNWU’s leadership.”