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RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program: Fully Immersive Leadership Fellowship for Mid-Career Professionals to Shape U.S. Health Policy

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RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program: Fully Immersive Leadership Fellowship for Mid-Career Professionals to Shape U.S. Health Policy
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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:

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:

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:

Participants also attend seminars covering topics such as:

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:

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:

Legislative Drafting

Participants assist in:

Policy Communications

Fellows prepare:

Congressional Engagement

Participants organize:

Stakeholder Relations

Fellows engage with:

Senior Briefings

Participants frequently brief:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

Ineligible Applicants

The following individuals are not eligible:

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be either:

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:

Characteristics of Successful Candidates

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

Ideal candidates typically:

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:

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.

APPLY HERE

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.

For more fellowship opportunities visit OFY HERE

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