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Applications are now open for the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship. The RWJF Health Policy Fellows program offers mid-career professionals the opportunity to participate in the policy process at the federal level and use that leadership experience to improve health equity, health care, and health policy.
Opportunity Details
What can Fellows expect?
The RWJF Fellowship is comprised of two unique experiences: an immersive orientation period and a hands-on placement working as a senior advisor to an elected or appointed federal government official. Starting with an intensive three-and-a-half-month orientation arranged by the NAM, fellows have the opportunity to meet with national leaders well-versed in health, health care policy, health equity, social determinants of health, and structural racism; think tanks and interest groups; key executive branch officials; and members of Congress and their staffs. During this time, fellows participate in seminars on health economics; the congressional budget process; current priority issues in federal health policy; and the process for federal decision-making.
This concentrated orientation is designed to prepare the fellows for immediate success in the second phase: their placements in the federal legislative and executive branches.
What do Fellows do?
Fellows serve as senior advisors to key health policy decision-makers in Washington, DC. They participate in the policy process with members of Congress, a congressional committee, or the executive branch. Under the supervision of the office in which they are placed. Fellows typically:
Fellowship assignments are supplemented throughout the year by nonpartisan seminars and group discussions on contemporary federal policy topics, as well as media/strategic communications training and leadership development activities. Fellows prepare a formal presentation on a health policy issue with which they have been engaged and take part in NAM meetings with other health policy organizations.
Prospective applicants should review the application guidelines before applying. Applicants will be asked to submit an updated curriculum vitae (CV) and two personal essays. Learn more about the RWJF Fellowship application.
Members of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows advisory board assess each applicant, based on the following criteria:
• Professional achievements;
• Potential for leadership in health policy;
• Potential for future growth and career advancement;
• Potential for significant contributions to improving health, equity, and well-being in the nation;
• Interpersonal and communications skills;
• Individual plans for incorporating the fellowship experience into specific career goals.
By mid-January of the selection cycle, the advisory board will select finalists from the applicants for in-person interviews in Washington, D.C., which will be held in February. Applicants who are selected for interviews will receive details about the remainder of the process upon invitation.
The ideal candidates for this fellowship have a record of exceptional professional accomplishment and are a recognized expert within their profession, community, institution, or organization. The fellowship strongly encourages individuals with diverse backgrounds, ideologies, and perspectives to apply. Because of the unique nature of working on Capitol Hill or in the executive branch and the uncertainty that often accompanies the legislative process, individuals who are flexible, team players, and fast learners tend to be more successful. A positive attitude, confidence, sense of humor, humility, listening skills, discretion, and patience are highly regarded. Those with strong emotional intelligence and networking skills will be able to maximize the value of this experience in their subsequent roles as leaders and influencers committed to building a healthier and more equitable future for the nation.
Apply for RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program