Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) 2011-2012
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
NYIT
PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE
 
 
The Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) program was created to provide a yearlong experience
for osteopathic physicians in training (residents) to become familiar with health care issues as
they relate to federal and state policies and to equip them with the skills to participate in
policy discussions and committee work. Graduates of the program join a cadre of health
policy experts that may serve on committees and task forces at the federal and state levels,
testify on issues relevant to osteopathic medicine/education, and develop policy positions.
   
  The program is offered by the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York
Institute of Technology in collaboration with colleges in the American Association of Colleges
of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM); the American Osteopathic Association (AOA); and the
government affairs offices of AACOM, AOA, and the American Osteopathic Healthcare
Association (AOHA).
   
  TIPS is designed for second and third year (OGME2 and OGME3) osteopathic residents who are
preparing for leadership roles in the profession and positions of influence in health policy. A
maximum of 10 participants will be accepted for the class beginning in September 2011.
Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
   
  Participants will attend 4 intensive three-day seminars. The first seminar is an academic
orientation scheduled for Washington, D.C. Seminars are rotated among osteopathic colleges
and the Washington, D.C. area offices of the AOA, AOHA and AACOM. Between monthly
seminars, participants are expected to devote a minimum of 20 hours to reading, research,
and completing written assignments.
   
  PROJECTED 2011-2012 PROGRAM CALENDAR
  September 22-24, 2011: Washington, DC
  December 2-4, 2011: Old Westbury, NY
  March 4-6, 2012: Washington, DC
  June 15-17, 2012: Chicago, IL
   
  Program participants will complete a variety of writing exercises culminating in a health policy
issue paper. The purpose of the writing component of the curriculum is to enhance the
participants’ ability to evaluate, articulate, and formulate concise and objective assessments
of health policy issues. Program faculty and staff will provide research, writing and editing
support throughout all aspects of the program.
   
  CURRICULUM
   
  The curriculum in health policy offers a broad range of analytic and communication tools
applicable to health policy topics, including:
 
   
  • Professionalism: professional structure, specialty colleges,
   accreditation and licensure
  • Healthcare Costs: commercial insurance, Medicare/Medicaid
  • Quality: information technology, patient safety
   
  In addition, guest seminar leaders from policy making agencies present an overview and
history of policy issues in their fields and serve as resources for group assignments that form
the basis of the interactive seminars throughout the year. Policy areas for the study of issues
have included:
   
 
  • federal and state policy making
  • healthcare access, cost and quality
  • medical education
  • managed care
  • multicultural medicine
  • health economics
  • vulnerable populations
  • healthcare workforce
   
  Participants will attend policy meetings in Washington, D.C., including workshops to develop
strategies to influence policy.
   
  CURRICULUM PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
   
  A team of health policy experts plans and implements the curriculum each year. The following
individuals serve in this capacity.
   
  Steve Andes, Ph.D.
David Broder, D.O., FACP, FACOI
Hank Chaudhry, D.O. M.S., FACP, FACOI
Nancy Cooper, B.S.Ed.
Bette Coppola, M.Ed.
Martin Diamond, D.O., FACOFP
Bruce Dubin, D.O., J.D.
Howard Feinberg, D.O., FACOI
Norman Gevitz, Ph.D.
Joseph Kuchinski, D.O., AOCEP, FACOEP
Konrad C. Miskowicz-Retz, Ph.D.
Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., FACOFP
Thomas Scandalis, D.O., FAOASM
Charlene Smith, Ph.D.
Howard Teitelbaum, D.O., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Douglas Wood, D.O., Ph.D.
   
  THE SELECTION PROCESS
   
  Application for 10 TIPS positions is competitive and open to individuals who will be OGME2 or
higher at the start of the program. Sponsorship by an organization is encouraged and
preferred (state society, residency program, OPTI, hospital, etc.).
   
  A complete application with a personal statement is required along with three
recommendations. (Recommendations from sponsoring organizations/institutions should be
included.) A nationwide panel of health policy experts reviews all applications. Applicants will
be evaluated on prior leadership experience as well as level of commitment. Reviewers will
seek evidence that the applicant can successfully combine a rigorous course of study with
residence commitments.
   
  CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
   
  To remain in good standing and earn an AOA certificate in Training in Policy Studies,
program participants must attend and participate in all scheduled seminars and complete all
assignments. The health policy issue analysis brief developed in the program must be
submitted to a panel of AOA policy experts for review by May 15, 2012.
   
  FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
   
  Extensive in-kind contributions from the participating universities and the osteopathic
associations’ offices are committed to the program. The facilities of the campus sites include
library and information systems support as well as faculty and staff to work with the
participants. The offices of the AOA, AOHA and AACOM are available for the Washington,
D.C. sessions, and staffs from the offices arrange guest seminar leaders and Congressional
visits.
   
  ACADEMIC CREDIT
   
  Participants in the Training in Policy Studies program may earn academic credit for their
studies through NYIT/NYCOM. Graduate credits are awarded to participants who elect to
apply for non-degree admission and pay a fee. These credit hours may also be transferable
to graduate programs, subject to approval by each program.
   
  ACCOMMODATIONS AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
   
  Program staff select all hotel accommodations for participants at each seminar location.
However, payment for travel, and room and board for seminars are the responsibility of the
Fellow or sponsoring agency (average cost of $1,000 per seminar). The program provides
continental breakfasts and lunches during the seminars.
 
  All applications must be received by June 15, 2011.
   
  For additional information, please contact Bette Coppola at 516-686-3922 or e-mail at
bcoppola@nyit.edu