Allison Durham focuses on biomedical science policy and advocacy. Her background — with a Master of Science degree in microbiology and immunology after being a senior research assistant in federal government relations — helps her readily identify challenges and opportunities for clients. Allison works with coalitions, nonprofits, organizations, small and large pharmaceutical drug development companies, and others to help:
- Develop policies, goals and legislative strategies
- Identify funding opportunities in federal, state, private and venture capital venues
- Monitor and respond to federal laws, regulations and guidance reports that could benefit or hinder clients
- Plan and execute advocacy campaigns and communication
- Create government relations and legislative strategies, including drafting legislation and adding language to appropriations reports
- Draft statements for clients testifying before congressional hearings
- Research and pursue reimbursement opportunities
With experience on Capitol Hill working in both the U.S. House and Senate, Allison understands the congressional landscape. Besides developing legislative strategies, she assists clients in identifying and facilitating introductions and meetings with key government officials and staff.
Federal Agencies, Organizations, Nonprofits and Coalitions
Allison is motivated by her advocacy work in rare diseases, vaccines, metabolic research, biomarkers, health care delivery and other avenues because they can make a difference in lives and the greater good of mankind. She works with a number of federal agencies, national organizations, nonprofits and coalitions, including:
- Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV)
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Biotechnology Industry Organizations (BIO)
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Public Policy Shaping Science
In earning an M.S. degree in microbiology and immunology, Allison's program — biomedical science, policy and advocacy — allowed her to focus on technical science (including work in Georgetown University's drug discovery lab), how that science influences public policy, and inversely how policy shapes science. Previously, Allison was a senior research assistant in federal government relations for The Ingram Group (aka The FIRST Group) in Washington, D.C. and Nashville, Tennessee, where she tracked committees and floor actions in Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly.
Allison's experience also includes serving as a senior health care fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives for Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R-GA) and intern in the U.S. Senate for Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN).
Hill Experience
- Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
- Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
- International Scholar Laureate
- Medical Missions Disaster Relief, Thomazeau, Haiti — July 2012
- Cesar Chavez High School, Washington, D.C. — Tutor
- Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee — Student Senate, Sophomore and Junior Terms; and Delta Sigma Social Club, Service Coordinator
- Baptist Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee — Volunteer
- Youth Encouragement Services, Nashville, Tennessee — Volunteer
- International Aid, Kiev, Ukraine — Volunteer
- FaegreBD Consulting — Community Service Steering Committee