Introduction
Academy Health is an organization that involves several interest groups that aim at fostering the interaction of individuals regarding their topic of interest in the field of health care. Its members have the opportunity to meet both online and face-to-face to discuss one or another issue. Such interaction also helps professionals to learn from their colleagues and share relevant knowledge.
Body
Academy Health consists of advisory committees and interest groups, which purposes align with my professional attitudes. Lisa Simpson, the President and CEO of this interest group, assisted in the introduction of such projects as International Exchange for Health Care Policy and Research and Improving Hispanic Elders’ Health: Community Partnerships for Evidence-Based Solutions. My professional interests involve the study of the health care system, its strengths and weaknesses, along with opportunities that may be used to improve health care delivery and ensure the best health outcomes.
According to the official information provided on the organization’s website, it strives to promote communication and collaboration between health care policymakers and practitioners so that they can work effectively in a team (“About Academy Health,” 2017). Personally, I believe that the mentioned approach to modern health care issues is the most appropriate and feasible. My position also corresponds to those of Academy Health, namely, to ensure equal and accessible health care services.
Speaking of certain ways interest groups may impact policymaking, it is essential to note conferences and special events, programs and projects, and work with policymakers at all levels of research. By having interest groups as part of the legislative process, the areas these groups operate in may receive the most complete and relevant information. In other words, the collaborative efforts of interest group members are likely to ensure the consideration and the subsequent implementation of important points (“About Academy Health,” 2017). Another benefit is associated with the fact that interest groups present a platform for research.
For example, a scholar from the US and one from the UAE may communicate via Academy Health and conduct research comparing some critical health concerns in the mentioned countries. Such work is likely to cover plenty of health topics and result in their comprehensive understanding and treatment.
As for the negative aspects, there may be some misunderstanding and misinterpretation between members regarding their approaches and attitudes to certain issues. For example, the topic of fructose intake causes many debates all over the world. While some scholars believe that fructose may cause obesity and diabetes, others argue that adequate fructose consumption prevents caries and plaque.
Personally, it seems that I can impact the position of interest groups by collaborating with other members and expressing our vision and arguments, thus contributing to the improvement of the overall approach and activities. The increased formation of political action committees had positive effects on health care as they facilitated change and outlined new trajectories in its development (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2014). Thus, I believe that political action committees improve health care legislation and the very processes of filing, consideration, and approval of new bills and regulations.
Conclusion
To conclude, it should be emphasized that Academy Health involves several interest groups, each of which focuses on a special health issue and integrates people from all over the world. My professional interests coincide with those of Academy Health. It seems that interest groups and political action committees are rather important in the legislative process concerning health care.
References
About Academy Health. (2017). Web.
Mason, D. J., Leavitt, J. K., & Chaffee, M. W. (2014). Policy and politics in nursing and healthcare (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Health Sciences.