AMA Medical Student Advocacy Conference (MAC) FAQs

The Medical Student Advocacy Conference (MAC) takes place March 5-6, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Register by Feb. 16.

What’s the easiest way to get to MAC?

You can travel to the Hilton Washington DC National Mall at the Wharf from the three major Washington, DC area airports via metro, train, taxi or rideshare.

By metro or train

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 60-75 minutes to the hotel via the Metro Silver Line. 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 15-20 minutes to the hotel via the Metro Yellow Line.

The L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station is located directly underneath the Hilton. 

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 60-75 minutes from the hotel via public transportation. Attendees may take Amtrak or MARC train service from BWI to Union Station. From there: 

• Take the Metro Red Line one stop to Gallery Place–Chinatown
• Transfer to the Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange, or Silver Line
• Exit at L’Enfant Plaza, located directly underneath the Hilton. 

Guests may also travel from Union Station to the hotel by taxi or rideshare (approximately 12 minutes).

By taxi or rideshare

The hotel is a 7-10 minute drive from DCA and a 35-45 minute drive from IAD, depending on traffic. Travel time from BWI by car is approximately 45-55 minutes. 

Do you have recommendations for places to eat?

Pricing shown as approximate ($ = casual, $$$ = upscale). Distance is from the Hilton Washington DC National Mall at the Wharf. 

• Bistro Du Jour ($$)—0.4 miles | 9-minute walk | 5-minute drive
• DAIKAYA ($$)—1.2 miles | 28-minute walk | 8-minute drive
• Falafel Inc ($)—0.3 miles | 8-minute walk | 7-minute drive
• Grazie Grazie ($)—0.5 miles | 9-minute walk | 5-minute drive
• Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf ($$)—0.6 miles | 12-minute walk | 5-minute drive
• Jaleo ($$—$$$) 1 mile | 22-minute walk | 7-minute drive
• MI VIDA ($$)—0.4 miles | 9-minute walk | 4-minute drive
• Rice Bar ($)—0.4 miles | 9-minute walk | 5-minute drive

What are some must-see activities and attractions?

The distance to activities is from the Hilton Washington DC National Mall at the Wharf. 

• International Spy Museum (admission starts at $29)—360 ft | 2-minute walk
• Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (Free)—0.3 miles | 11-minute walk | 3-minute drive
• Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (Free)—0.3 miles | 11-minute walk | 3-minute drive
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Free)—0.5 miles | 11-minute walk | 4-minute drive
• Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum (Free)—0.6 miles | 13-minute walk | 5-minute drive
• United States Botanic Garden (Free)—0.9 miles | 20-minute walk | 6-minute drive

Is there a dress code?

Recommended dress for the conference is business casual. The district enjoys mild weather in March, with average daytime temperatures in the mid-fifties. 

Pack your white coat for your professional headshot and meetings on Capitol Hill. Pro tip: Hill visits may require a lot of walking. We recommend bringing a comfortable pair of business casual shoes.

Is there anything else I should bring to the conference?

Make sure to bring a photo ID and your white coat. 

I'm booking my departure from D.C. When does MAC programming conclude?

Friday, March 6 has been reserved for you to conduct Hill visits—a key component of the conference. These Hill visits are being scheduled based on your district. Soapbox will share your schedule with you on Feb. 25. 

Please plan to stay for the entire duration of the conference—until March 6 at 5:00 p.m. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

Are there funding opportunities to attend MAC?

Visit the funding page to find out how you can take advantage of AMA discounts for associated conference travel costs.

What are the issues we’ll be advocating for this year?

Three main topics will be discussed. These are: 

• Graduate medical education | REDI Act (H.R.2028/S.942): Discussion of evolving medical student loan caps, repayment, and forgiveness changes, supplemented by student experiences, to emphasize why legislative solutions like the REDI Act are urgently needed.
• Pharmacy benefit manager reform | Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform Act of 2025 (H.R.4317): Showcasing how student-led priorities brought forward in the AMA House of Delegates translate into formal advocacy and direct engagement with Congress on Capitol Hill.
• NIH funding: In the absence of active authorizing legislation, this discussion will focus on appropriations advocacy to support stable, sustained NIH funding throughout the federal budget process.

Issue briefs will be posted with the Advocacy Action Kit once available.

Where can I find the conference agenda?

Find the agenda on the MAC overview page.

I registered for MAC—How can I spread the word to my peers?

Showcase your advocacy efforts on social media using the templates and graphics provided.