September 12, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The first session orients participants to the health status of South Carolinians, the nonmedical determinants of health, and health disparities that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants will learn about and discuss the burden of poor health outcomes on individuals, families and the state’s health care system. They will explore innovative solutions to improve the health of South Carolinians.

Experts will then address how the erosion of SC’s health care workforce has adversely impacted outcomes for individuals. Fellows will learn about initiatives to address these challenges with our state’s health care workforce and discuss strategies to combat this critical need. These issues will be discussed particularly considering the state’s rapidly growing and aging population.

October 10, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The second session will include an overview of national and state level health care system structures and financing. Session 2 will help participants better understand how South Carolina’s Medicaid program works and what is and is not included within this funding source. 

Fellows will learn about and discuss changes in the funding landscape as new philosophies emerge about how to pay for health care. Presenters will also address the challenges associated with health care as a unique industry that does not adhere to traditional economic theory.

January 2024 | Day and Time TBD 

During the final class of the 2023 Health Policy Fellows Program, participants will work to fully understand specific health policy issues on which they want to take action using the skills and knowledge gained in the first two sessions. IMPH will convene Fellows with subject-matter experts and facilitate discussions to inform the creation of new or updated policy.