ACOI is sharing exciting news from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN). ASN holds several programs meant to foster interest in nephrology among trainees to expand and strengthen the medical and research workforce. One of these programs is ASN Kidney TREKS (Tutored Research and Education for Kidney Scholars). ASN is now accepting applications for the 2026 TREKS program.
Rural Health Awards Announced Alongside New Agency
Beginning this year, all 50 states will receive a portion of the $50 billion allocated for rural health in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" enacted last year. The $50 billion was a demand by Senate Republicans to counter significant cuts to Medicaid and other health programs under the law.
New Model Aims to Expand Access to GLP-1 Medications
In December, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new voluntary model designed to enable Medicare Part D plans and state Medicaid agencies to cover GLP-1 medications used for weight management and metabolic health improvement.
Senate Talks on Health Care Bill Stall While Appropriations Negotiation Continue
Following bipartisan House passage January 8 of a three-year extension of expired Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), the Senate was expected to announce a bipartisan deal to address health care costs.
Take Action on Prior Authorization Bill Before January 22
Supporters of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (Seniors’ Act) are ramping up grassroots advocacy in advance of House congressional hearings with insurance company executives to ensure that prior authorization is a centerpiece of the hearings.
Insurance Executives to Testify on Capitol Hill January 22
Republican Committee leaders for the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees have announced a hearing with five of the biggest health insurance company CEOs on the subject of making health care more affordable.
January Student of the Month: Katia Castillo, OMS-IV
Student Doctor Castillo exemplifies the definition of an inspiring and dedicated medical student. Throughout her four years of medical school, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for serving her community, advocating for women in healthcare, and uplifting her classmates.
Let’s Grow Together: Your Role in Building ACOI’s Future
Hello ACOI friends and family, and Happy New Year! You already know how vital our community is to the future of osteopathic internal medicine, but did you know that your involvement can make an even bigger impact—starting today?
ACOI On the Road: December 2025 Summits and Meetings
Last month, ACOI was represented at the Internal Medicine Education Advisory Board (IMEAB) meeting by CEO Karen Caruth, MBA; Senior Director of Education & Professional Development Kristan Davis, MEd; and ACOI Board Member, Joanna K. Baker, DO, FACOI, FAODME, FHM.
Reset Your Future Bilingual Self: How Micro-Skills in Any Language Transform Care in 2026
This post is part of our broader conversation on language access in healthcare. If this topic resonates, we invite you to register for our upcoming free webinar, Language Access in Healthcare: Beyond the Exam Room, on January 22 from 2:30 - 3:30 pm ET.
