Wayne State University School of Medicine Neurology resident Advait Mahulikar, M.D., met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., last month, where he successfully advocated for the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative Act (H.R. 4733), which will help in the pursuit of funding from the National Institutes of Health for researching alternate non-opioid pain medications.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI 12th district ) agreed to co-sponsor the act after meeting with Dr. Mahulikar.

"I feel honored to be part of this process," Dr. Mahulikar said.

He was invited by the American Academy of Neurology to attend Neurology on the Hill, a public policy event, held Feb. 26-27, at which he gave additional updates on current policy issues, such as physician reimbursement and the need for increased funding for neurologic research; gained insights from congressional leaders, consultants and AAN staff about the political process; and developed working relationships with members of Congress, their staff and fellow neurologists.

Dr. Mahulikar is likely the first resident from the WSU program to be invited, and one of only 40 residents out of 240 attendees. He is mentored by School of Medicine Professor of Neurology Robert Lisak, M.D.