May 31, 2023
IHPI members participate in inaugural communications & policy engagement training program
12 participants explored strategies for translating their research findings to policy and media to maximize the impact of their work.
The U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation (IHPI) held its inaugural Impact Accelerator: Communications & Policy Training Program from May 16-18, 2023, with the goal of increasing health researchers’ confidence in sharing their important findings with journalists, media, and the general public.
Representing the Medical School, School of Public Health, School of Kinesiology, and School of Nursing, twelve U-M faculty members who are members of IHPI and have a variety of health research interests comprised the first cohort.
During the three-day program, the cohort participated in interactive sessions covering topics such as navigating the communications landscape, identifying policy levers, creating your best online profile, and best practices for translating research findings for policy and media audiences. On the final day of the program, participants engaged in mock interviews and policy meetings to put their skills to practice and receive constructive feedback from expert facilitators. They also took part in workshops with practical tips for writing policy briefs and op-eds. Sessions were led by IHPI’s Communications and Policy Engagement and External Relations teams, faculty colleagues, and other policy and media experts.
The program culminated in a seminar featuring a panel of U-M faculty with extensive experience engaging with journalists and policy audiences. In the discussion moderated by IHPI Policy Engagement Faculty Advisor Renu Tipirneni, M.D., M.Sc., assistant professor of internal medicine, the panelists -- Chad Ellimoottil, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of urology, Chris Friese, Ph.D. R.N., AOCN, professor of nursing, Preeti Malani, M.D., M.S., M.S.J., professor of internal medicine, and Emily Martin, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate professor of public health -- shared practical advice for successfully translating research into relevant, timely, and compelling information and tips for connecting with the media and policymakers. Watch the seminar recording here.
2023 Impact Accelerator Program Cohort
Top row (left to right): Geoff Barnes, M.D., M.Sc., associate professor of internal medicine; Sheria Robinson-Lane, Ph.D., M.H.A., M.S., R.N., assistant professor of nursing; Daphna Stroumsa, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology, Steve Broglio, Ph.D., A.T.C., professor of kinesiology; Middle row: Melissa Creary, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of public health; Kate Bauer, Ph.D., M.S., associate professor of public health; Lauren Oshman, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of family medicine; Ponni Perumalswami, M.D., M.S.C.R., associate professor of internal medicine; Bottom row: Melissa Elafros, M.D., Ph.D., M.A., assistant professor of neurology; Elham Mahmoudi, Ph.D., M.B.A., M.S., associate professor of family medicine; Nora Becker, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of internal medicine; Debbie Chen, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine