Health Policy Orientation
An intensive, in-person introduction to health policymaking — featuring expert presentations, interactive panels, and small group discussions.
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Are you ready to amplify your impact on health policymaking?
This fall, join us in-person at AcademyHealth’s Washington, D.C. office for the Health Policy Orientation.
Amid significant policy shifts transforming the health care system, this Orientation offers essential knowledge and skills to engage in today’s complex health policy environment and contribute to meaningful change.
With presentations from leading experts, interactive panels, and small group discussions, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of health policymaking and walk away with practical tools to navigate the process and advance your goals.
Participation is limited to 50 people to foster meaningful collaboration, peer exchange, and engagement with faculty.
Agenda at a Glance
Monday, October 27
- Health Policy 2025–2026: What to Expect in Uncertain Times
- How Congress Works
- The Executive Branch
- Hot Topics in Health Policy
Tuesday, October 28
- Public Opinion and Health Policy
- The Role of the Courts
- Federal Budgeting
- The Role of Evidence in Policymaking
- Medicare, MA, and Health Insurance Marketplaces
- The States’ Health Policy Agenda
Wednesday, October 29
- Information Sources for Policymaking
- How to Communicate with Policy Leaders
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing or via email by Monday, September 29 in order to receive a refund, less a $100 processing fee. Registration fees for cancelled registrants may not be applied to future AcademyHealth meetings. Having trouble registering? Email registrations@academyhealth.org for assistance.
- Member: $1,700
- Non-Member: $2,000
- Fellow: $1,500
Featured Speakers
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Aaron E. Carroll, M.D., M.S.
Dr. Aaron E. Carroll is President & CEO of AcademyHealth. Read Bio
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Julie Rovner
Julie Rovner is Chief Washington Correspondent at KFF Health News Read Bio
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Joanne Kenen
Joanne Kenen is the Journalist-in-Residence at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Read Bio
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Sandhya Raman
Sandhya Raman is a health policy reporter for CQ Roll Call in Washington DC. Read Bio
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Rodney Whitlock, Ph.D.
Rodney is an accomplished health care executive with more than two decades on the Hill. Read Bio
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Adaeze Enekwechi, Ph.D., M.P.P.
Adaeze Enekwechi, Ph.D., M.P.P. is the CEO of Cayaba Care. Read Bio
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Christopher Jennings
Chris Jennings is an over three decades-long health policy veteran of the White House, the Congress and the private sector. Read Bio
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Jennifer Young
Jennifer B. Young served as the Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the Department of Health and Human Services. Read Bio
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Ashley Kirzinger, Ph.D.
Ashley Kirzinger is director of survey methodology and associate director of the Public Opinion and Survey Research Program. Read Bio
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Sara Rosenbaum, J.D.
Sara Rosenbaum, J.D., is Professor Emerita, Health Law and Policy at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. Read Bio
Event Location
AcademyHealth Office
1666 K St NW, Suite 1100
Washington D.C., 20006
Not Local to Washington D.C.? Explore nearby hotels
Hyatt Place Washington DC – 1522 K Street, NW | (202) 830-1900
Capital Hilton – 1001 16th Street, NW | (202) 393-1000
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel – 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW | (202) 347-3000
The Darcy – 515 Rhode Island Ave NW | (202) 232-7000
Trusted by Leaders Across the Field
"This experience sparked a new curiosity about other career paths I could pursue and further fueled my passion to dive further into health policy."
-2024 attendee
"Anyone working in health services research would benefit from this straightforward, content rich course."
-2024 attendee
"I came away from this session motivated to get my research out to policymakers and more confident in my abilities to influence policymaking."
-2024 attendee
"Even after being in the health policy sector for years, the Health Policy Orientation exposed me to tons of new information."
-2024 attendee
- Build a Strong Foundation. Understand the core structures of health policymaking, including the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.
- Strengthen Your Policy Toolkit. Learn to leverage evidence, agency data, and polling to inform decisions and influence change.
- Stay Informed and Prepared. Evaluate the evolving policy landscape at both the federal and state levels to guide your work.
- Expand Your Network. Connect with a small, engaged cohort of peers to spark collaboration and long-term partnerships.
For Professionals Ready to Engage
This orientation is designed for health services and policy professionals, researchers, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of the policymaking process.
Participation is limited to 50 people to ensure rich discussion, peer learning, and faculty interaction.
Join us in D.C. at a pivotal moment, as key decisions shape the future of health policy.