Launched in 2024 and designed for ASRM members passionate about making an impact, PRIMED offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to become trailblazers in reproductive medicine advocacy. Participants gain comprehensive, skill-based training through several months of hybrid in-person and online modules. From the fundamental aspects of policymaking to mastering message crafting and media relations, PRIMED equips participants with the tools to become influential voices in shaping the future of reproductive medicine.
Course modules, taught by experts from within and outside ASRM, cover topics including the fundamentals of the legislative and appropriations processes (state and federal), persuasive advocacy communications, and best practices for social media advocacy. Cohort members will also engage directly with and learn from policymakers and their staff, including during a sponsored trip to ASRM’s Washington DC headquarters that consists of the opportunity to visit and tour DC landmarks and, importantly, meet with federal lawmakers and staff on critical issues. With support from ASRM staff, each PRIMED Scholar is also expected to develop and share a Capstone Project at ASRM’s Annual Scientific Congress & Expo. Examples from this year’s Cohort will appear here soon, and all who attend the Congress in Denver are invited to hear from the Scholars about their experience in the program and Capstone Projects on Tuesday, October 22 at 10:00 AM in the Spotlight Theater.
PRIMED FAQ
When and how can I apply? What is the status of my application?
The application period for the 2025 PRIMED Cohort has closed and applications are currently under review by the PRIMED Advisory Committee. All who submitted applications can expect to receive responses in early 2025. Applications for the 2026 Cohort will open in the fall of 2025.
Am I eligible to apply for PRIMED?
Any current member of ASRM – regardless of discipline or length of experience – is welcome to apply.
What sort of time commitment is required?
PRIMED is designed to accommodate ASRM members’ busy schedules. We hold classes at a mutually agreed-upon time that works best for all cohort members. In 2024, that meant typically meeting during weekday evenings (8-10 EST).
What is the course format, and will there be homework?
PRIMED is a hybrid online and in-person learning initiative. Online classes – called Modules – are delivered live by ASRM staff and external guests. The small class size enables online sessions to take on more of a “seminar” – with dialogue exchange – than “lecture” – mode. The course syllabus, which includes required readings/viewings for each module and related assignments – is housed in the PRIMED Google Classroom, to which each Cohort member is invited. Additionally, the online classroom provides a library of optional reading materials, messaging boards, and file-sharing capabilities to promote ongoing learning and collaboration across the cohort.
What if I miss a class?
Barring any concerns from cohort members, PRIMED classes are recorded and saved to our Google Classroom for later viewing.
Who are the faculty?
The PRIMED faculty includes ASRM’s in-house experts from its Office of Public Affairs (experienced lobbyists and advocates) and external speakers and guests with hands-on experience and expertise. For example, communications professionals and current legislative staff will be on hand to share insider insights and tips to hone your advocacy skills and maximize facetime with policymakers and other officials.
Tell me more about this Capstone Project.
Each PRIMED Scholar is expected to fulfill the program to deliver a Capstone Project. The output is a deliverable, which may come in myriad formats, including but not limited to a white paper, a literature review, a journal article, a fact sheet series, a toolkit, and an infographic series. The final product should be intended to inform and educate an intended audience (e.g., policymakers and their staff) on a policy issue with import and implications for the field of reproductive medicine, including analysis, discussion, and, as appropriate, specific policy recommendations. Scholars may elect to team up for this assignment and will have an opportunity to present their Capstones at the ASRM 2025 Annual Congress & Expo in San Antonio, Texas.
What does this program cost its participants?
We strive to make this a cost-free learning experience for ASRM members. In 2024, scholars received stipends to offset the cost of PRIMED-related travel and activities. Similar funding is expected to be available for the 2025 cohort. Stay tuned for specifics.
I've never advocated – or – I’ve got a bit of advocacy experience already. Can I still apply?
PRIMED is designed to accommodate and build skills from all levels of advocacy experience. The cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge is one of the hallmarks of the program’s success. All ASRM members are welcome to apply.
I previously applied and was not selected. Can and should I apply again?
Of course. All applications from ASRM members are welcome.
What does PRIMED stand for, and how is it pronounced?
PRIMED is a perfectly imperfect acronym for Preparing experts in Reproductive Medicine to Engage Decisionmakers. It’s pronounced “praɪm-ed.” (I’m primed to discuss this IVF insurance mandate with policymakers!)
Learn more about the goals and opportunities of PRIMED.