Neurology on the Hill FAQ
Neurology on the Hill is an annual, two-day event hosted by the AAN Professional Association (Academy) that takes place in the spring. Participants are flown to Washington, DC, to put a face on the challenges of people with neurologic disorders and the physicians who treat them. For many Academy members, Neurology on the Hill is their first hands-on experience with the political process.
What will I gain from this experience?
During this event, you and other members who see the need for change will:
- Get an update on current policy issues, such as physician reimbursement and the need for increased funding for neurologic research
- Gain insights from congressional leaders, consultants, and Academy staff about the political process
- Take neurology's message directly to your senators and representative
- Develop working relationships with members of Congress, their staff, and fellow neurologists
What is expected of participants?
Participants should have a strong commitment to improving health care however, no prior knowledge of the political process is necessary. While meeting with legislators, attendees are asked to focus on the priorities chosen by the Academy's leadership, and not their personal agenda.
Who can apply?
Any resident PGY-2 or higher Academy member in good standing may apply for Neurology on the Hill. No prior experience is necessary! Selected participants will be provided with the tools, information, and speaking points needed to effectively address the Academy's concerns on specific health care policy issues.
How are applicants chosen?
The Academy's first goal is to accept applicants that represent as many unique congressional districts as possible. Maximizing the number of congressional districts in attendance is the most efficient way to increase the Academy's impact on Capitol Hill. Priority will also be given to new participants, so they too can experience the political process first hand.
For those applicants who cannot be accommodated due to space limitations, the Academy has adopted a policy to assure that every applicant will be able to attend Neurology on the Hill at least once every other year. Should your application not be accepted for a given year, you will be automatically admitted the following year as long as you apply.
How do I apply?
Applications are available on the Neurology on the Hill home page annually in October. Members may apply by completing an online form, which asks for their background information, a summary of their past advocacy experience (if any), and an explanation of why they would like to attend Neurology on the Hill.
How many attend each year?
Although the number of attendees varies from year to year, typically the Academy sends over 100 physicians from more than 30 states to Neurology on the Hill. In 2009, over 60 percent of the attendees were new to the program!
What is the cost to me?
The Academy will cover your travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and meals during Neurology on the Hill. Any other expenses are the responsibility of the program attendee. Participants will also be responsible for a modest registration fee to help offset the costs of the program. This fee will be $50 for residents, fellows, and members located in the local Washington, DC area and $100 for all others.
Are there any other programs that the Academy offers to sharpen my advocacy skills?
You may also consider applying for the Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum. It is an award-winning advocacy leadership skills-development program, created by the American Academy of Neurology. The program is designed to train selected members to be effective advocates for their profession and their patients at the local, state, and national levels.
This four-day program is highly interactive and offers challenging workshops in effective legislative advocacy, public and media relations, and advocacy action planning.
If you are interested, the application deadline for the 2010 Palatucci Forum is September 20, 2009.
The Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum is supported in part by an educational grant from UCB, Inc.