Health policy decisions influence the quality of healthcare systems, determine access to essential medical services, and shape the health outcomes of millions of people. For experienced professionals seeking to move beyond research, clinical practice, or public service into the heart of policymaking, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellows Program provides one of the most prestigious opportunities available.

The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program is a highly respected, nonpartisan leadership fellowship designed specifically for accomplished mid-career professionals who wish to gain firsthand experience in the U.S. federal policymaking process. Through an immersive year-long placement in Washington, DC, fellows work directly alongside members of Congress, congressional committees, or executive branch agencies while contributing to policies that improve health and healthcare across the United States.

Since its establishment in 1973, the fellowship has prepared more than 300 influential leaders who have gone on to shape health policy, strengthen healthcare systems, and influence national conversations on public health and healthcare reform.

This fellowship offers an exceptional combination of policy education, leadership development, practical government experience, strategic communications training, and access to an influential network of policymakers and health leaders.

About the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program

The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program provides experienced professionals with an extraordinary opportunity to bridge the gap between technical expertise and policymaking.

Participants spend one full year immersed in the federal policy environment, learning how legislation is developed, how executive agencies shape national health priorities, and how evidence is translated into public policy.

Rather than remaining observers, fellows become active participants in federal decision-making.

During the fellowship, participants gain practical experience by contributing directly to the work of policymakers and government officials responsible for shaping America’s health system.

The program equips fellows with:

• Advanced leadership skills
• Practical policymaking experience
• Legislative knowledge
• Executive branch exposure
• Strategic communication abilities
• High-level networking opportunities
• Long-term professional connections

The fellowship is administered in collaboration with the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), ensuring participants receive world-class policy education and mentorship.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Many experienced professionals possess deep technical expertise but have limited exposure to how federal policies are actually created.

The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program closes that gap by allowing fellows to experience policymaking from the inside.

Participants develop a comprehensive understanding of:

• Federal legislative processes
• Executive branch policymaking
• Congressional operations
• Health policy development
• Budget negotiations
• Stakeholder engagement
• National healthcare priorities

This experience enables graduates to become stronger leaders capable of influencing healthcare systems at institutional, state, and national levels.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is divided into several major phases designed to maximize both learning and practical experience.

Phase 1: Intensive Orientation

The fellowship officially begins in September with an intensive three-and-a-half-month orientation organized by the National Academy of Medicine.

During this period, fellows receive comprehensive preparation before entering government placements.

The orientation includes meetings with:

• National health leaders
• Members of Congress
• Congressional staff
• Executive branch officials
• Think tanks
• Advocacy organizations
• Policy experts
• Interest groups

Participants also attend seminars covering topics such as:

• Health economics
• Federal healthcare financing
• Congressional budget processes
• Current health policy priorities
• Federal legislative procedures
• Executive decision-making
• Health policy analysis

This orientation prepares fellows to contribute immediately once they begin their placements.

Phase 2: Federal Government Placement

Most fellowship placements begin in January.

Each fellow joins either:

• A congressional office
• A congressional committee
• An executive branch agency

Rather than serving as observers, fellows become full members of policy teams under the mentorship of experienced senior staff members.

Throughout the placement, fellows actively contribute to policy development and legislative activities.

Typical responsibilities include:

Policy Development

Fellows help:

• Develop policy proposals
• Analyze health legislation
• Recommend policy positions
• Conduct policy research

Legislative Drafting

Participants assist in:

• Drafting legislation
• Preparing policy amendments
• Writing legislative summaries

Policy Communications

Fellows prepare:

• Briefing documents
• Policy memos
• Background papers
• Research summaries

Congressional Engagement

Participants organize:

• Congressional hearings
• Stakeholder briefings
• Policy discussions
• Committee meetings

Stakeholder Relations

Fellows engage with:

• Constituents
• Advocacy organizations
• Healthcare providers
• Government agencies
• Professional associations

Senior Briefings

Participants frequently brief:

• Members of Congress
• Congressional staff
• Executive officials
• Senior policymakers

This direct exposure allows fellows to understand how national health policies move from concept to implementation.

Additional Leadership Development

The learning experience extends well beyond the workplace.

Throughout the fellowship year, participants continue attending nonpartisan seminars covering emerging health policy issues.

Additional professional development opportunities include:

• Leadership workshops
• Strategic communications training
• Media engagement training
• Group policy discussions
• Professional networking events
• National Academy of Medicine meetings

Each fellow also prepares a formal presentation addressing a health policy issue encountered during the fellowship.

These presentations strengthen analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Fellowship Extension Opportunity

Although the standard fellowship lasts from September 1 through August 31, fellows may request approval from the National Program Office to remain in Washington beyond the official residential period.

Approved extensions may continue:

• Through the legislative session
• Until December 31

This provides additional opportunities for policy engagement and project completion.

Alumni Network

Completion of the fellowship marks the beginning—not the end—of long-term engagement.

Graduates become members of a nationwide alumni community consisting of distinguished health leaders.

Many alumni return annually to Washington, DC, for:

• Alumni retreats
• Health policy briefings
• Professional networking
• Leadership discussions

The alumni network provides continued opportunities for collaboration throughout participants’ careers.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship seeks exceptional professionals with substantial expertise and demonstrated leadership potential.

Applicants must satisfy several eligibility requirements.

Professional Background

Applicants should currently work within:

• Academic institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Military services
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
• Eligible state government offices

Federal, tribal, state, and local government employees may apply provided they are not classified as government officials under Section 4946 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A master’s degree; or
• A doctoral degree

Advanced degrees should relate to a health-related discipline or an area contributing to health policy.

Professional Expertise

Applicants must possess significant expertise in a health-related field.

Examples include:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Public health
• Law
• Dentistry
• Economics
• Social sciences
• Housing policy
• Transportation
• Nutrition
• Wealth and economic policy
• Employment
• Education
• Environmental health
• Community development
• Health services research
• Social work
• Behavioral health
• Other health professions

Professionals whose work addresses broader determinants of health are also encouraged to apply.

Ineligible Applicants

The following individuals are not eligible:

• Professionals whose primary responsibilities involve government relations
• Individuals whose primary work focuses on advocacy
• Applicants related by blood or marriage to officers or trustees of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Descendants of Robert Wood Johnson

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be either:

• U.S. citizens; or
• U.S. permanent residents

Eligibility is determined at the time of application.

Because fellows work within the federal government, future policy or legal changes could affect fellowship eligibility or placement conditions.

Selection Process

The fellowship uses a rigorous, competitive selection process.

Initial Application Review

Applications are evaluated by the advisory board using several leadership and professional criteria.

Finalist Selection

By mid-January, finalists are selected and invited for interviews.

Interviews

Finalists participate in in-person interviews in Washington, DC during March.

Interview invitations include additional information regarding the remainder of the selection process.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are assessed based on several important qualities.

These include:

• Outstanding professional accomplishments
• Leadership potential in health policy
• Career growth potential
• Ability to improve health outcomes nationally
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal effectiveness
• Vision for applying fellowship experience to future career goals

Characteristics of Successful Candidates

The fellowship seeks individuals who have already demonstrated excellence within their profession.

Ideal candidates typically:

• Are recognized leaders in their field
• Demonstrate professional credibility
• Show commitment to improving health systems
• Think strategically
• Adapt quickly to changing environments
• Collaborate effectively
• Learn rapidly
• Exhibit emotional intelligence
• Build strong professional relationships
• Communicate clearly
• Exercise discretion
• Display patience and humility
• Approach challenges with curiosity and critical thinking

The program also strongly encourages applicants from professional disciplines that have historically been underrepresented within the fellowship to apply.

Diverse professional experiences, perspectives, and career pathways are viewed as strengths.

Benefits of the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program

Participants receive numerous professional and leadership benefits, including:

• Immersive federal government policy experience
• Hands-on legislative and executive branch work
• Intensive policy education
• Leadership development
• Strategic communications training
• Mentorship from experienced policymakers
• National Academy of Medicine engagement
• Access to influential national health leaders
• Long-term alumni network
• Enhanced leadership credibility
• Expanded professional network
• Practical experience influencing national health policy

Why You Should Apply

If you are an accomplished health professional who wants to influence healthcare beyond clinical practice, research, or administration, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to participate directly in national policymaking.

Graduates leave with practical legislative experience, stronger leadership skills, broader professional networks, and a deeper understanding of how federal decisions shape healthcare across the nation. The experience prepares fellows to become influential leaders capable of advancing meaningful and lasting improvements in health policy.

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Deadline

At the time of the provided information, no application deadline has been specified. Interested applicants should monitor the official fellowship webpage for application opening and closing dates.

Visit HERE to learn more about the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program.

Conclusion

The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program stands among the most prestigious leadership fellowships available for experienced health professionals in the United States. Through an intensive orientation, hands-on placements in Congress or the executive branch, leadership development, policy training, and lifelong alumni engagement, the program equips fellows with the knowledge, experience, and networks needed to influence health policy at the highest levels. For mid-career professionals committed to improving health outcomes and shaping the future of healthcare, this fellowship provides an unparalleled platform to turn expertise into lasting national impact.

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