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Applications are now closed. They will open again in August of 2025.
Applications for this solicitation must be submitted via MyRWJF, the RWJF online system. If you have not already done so, you will be required to register at http://my.rwjf.org before you begin the application process.
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows program is an outstanding opportunity for exceptional mid-career health professionals, behavioral/social scientists, and others with an interest in health and health policy. Learn more.
Direction and technical assistance for the RWJF Health Policy Fellows program are provided by the National Academy of Medicine, which serves as the national program office (NPO). If you have any questions regarding the program and/or the application process, please contact the NPO at (202) 334-1506 or info@healthpolicyfellows.org.
Overview
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows program provides the nation’s most comprehensive learning experience at the nexus of health, science, and policy in Washington, D.C.
The program seeks outstanding mid-career health professionals, behavioral/social scientists, and others with an interest in health and health policy. The fellowship requires a full-time commitment with a minimum 12-month residence in Washington, D.C., which prepares individuals to influence the future of health and health care in the nation.
Orientation
The fellowship begins in September with an intensive three-and-a-half-month orientation arranged by the NAM, during which time the fellows 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. Fellows also participate in seminars on health economics; the congressional budget process; current priority issues in federal health policy; and the process for federal decision-making. The concentrated orientation is designed to prepare the fellows for immediate success in federal legislative and executive branch positions.
Fellowship Assignments
Fellowship placements generally begin no later than January 31. During these assignments, fellows are full-time, contributing participants in the policy process with members of Congress, a congressional committee, or in the executive branch. Solely under the supervision of the office in which they are placed, fellows typically will:
- Help develop legislative or regulatory proposals;
- Organize hearings, briefings, and stakeholder meetings;
- Meet with constituents;
- Brief legislators or senior administration officials on a range of health issues; and
- Provide staff support for House-Senate conferences.
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 are asked to prepare a formal presentation on a health policy issue with which they have been engaged. Fellows also take part in NAM meetings and other health policy organizations, as well as in cultural and social functions.
Fellows may request approval from the national program office (NPO) at the NAM to extend the Washington stay past the 12-month residential period of September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, through the legislative session or until December 31, 2026. A fellow may carry out additional activities with the support of any remaining funds until August 31, 2027, subject to review and approval of those activities by the NPO and RWJF.
Post-Fellowship Assignments
After the Washington residential experience, fellows become part of a nationwide alumni network and typically return to Washington each year to attend the program’s annual meeting, and to be briefed on issues and trends in health and health care policy.
Conflict of Interest
Due to heightened ethical scrutiny at the federal level, including fellows placed in congressional or other federal offices, the NPO will request information from finalists about ongoing personal and professional activities or interests that might conflict with the participation of a fellow in congressional or federal assignments. This disclosure is required to identify any activity or interest that might:
- Significantly impair the fellow’s objectivity,
- Create an unfair competitive advantage for any person or organization.
Each finalist will provide a list of past, existing, and future paid and unpaid activities, board affiliations, consultancies, or other interests and sources of financial support. To preserve the integrity of the fellowship program and to ensure that the fellow—during tenure as a RWJF Health Policy Fellow—is not compromised by the appearance of a conflict of interest, fellows will sign a statement affirming that there is no conflict of interest or competing interests that would preclude them from accepting a congressional or executive branch placement during the fellowship year.
The term “conflict of interest” applies not only to the personal interests of the fellow but also to the interests of others with whom the fellow has substantial common financial interests, including the fellow’s spouse and dependent children.
As a condition of the fellowship, fellows may be required by the federal government to submit a financial disclosure statement and sign a declaration of adherence to policies and laws governing codes of ethical conduct. For more information about specific ethics determinations, please visit http://ethics.senate.gov/downloads/pdffiles/manual.pdf and http://ethics.house.gov/sites/ethics.house.gov/files/documents/2008_House_Ethics_Manual.pdf(see page 284).
Eligibility
Exceptional mid-career professionals from academic faculties; government (including military; U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs; U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; and state offices who are not considered government officials under Section 4946 of the Internal Revenue Code);* and nonprofit health organizations, who are interested in experiencing the health policy process at the federal level, are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must have earned an advanced degree in one of the following disciplines: medicine; nursing; public health; allied health professions; biomedical sciences; dentistry; economics or other social sciences; health services organization and administration; social and behavioral health; or health law.
- Applicants whose official job description or responsibilities are primarily government relations or advocacy are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, or permanent residents at the time of application. Because the RWJF Health Policy Fellows are placed in assignments in the federal government, changes in federal policy or law may necessitate that RWJF consider adjustments in eligibility and grant terms, as well as placements in the program.
- Additionally, individual candidates for receipt of award funds cannot be related by blood or marriage to any Officer** or Trustee of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, or be a descendant of its founder, Robert Wood Johnson.
* For these purposes, government officials are defined as any person who holds one of the following:
- An elective public office in the executive or legislative branch of the Government of the United States;
- An office in the executive or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, appointment to which was made by the President;
- A position in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States—(A) which is listed in schedule C of rule VI of the Civil Service Rules, or (B) the compensation for which is equal to or greater than the lowest rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States Code;
- A position under the House of Representatives or the Senate of the United States held by an individual receiving gross compensation at an annual rate of $15,000 or more;
- An elective or appointive public office in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the government of a State, possession of the United States, or political subdivision or other area of any of the foregoing, or of the District of Columbia, held by an individual receiving gross compensation at an annual rate of $20,000 or more, and a significant part of whose activities include "the independent performance of policymaking functions.”
- A position as personal or executive assistant or secretary to any of the foregoing; or
- A member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board.
Prior to selection, any finalist who is a government employee will be required to furnish a letter from the applicant’s supervisor confirming that the applicant is not a government official under this definition.
**The Officers are the Chair of the Board of Trustees; President and CEO; Executive Vice President; General Counsel; Secretary; Assistant Secretary; Treasurer; and Chief Investment Officer of the Foundation.
Selection Criteria
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 Candidate
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.
FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions and answers about the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows program. You are welcome to contact the national program office (NPO) with any questions at (202) 334-1506 or info@healthpolicyfellows.org.
About the Fellowship
Q: Does the program offer a stipend?
A: Yes, the program provides a stipend of $175,000 for each fellow across two years. During the first 12 months (September 1 through August 31), fellowship funds of up to $160,000 can be requested, with the remaining being used for health policy activities in the year following the residential portion of the fellowship.
Q: What is my fellowship time obligation?
A: Due to the potential for real or perceived conflicts of interests, fellows must commit 100 percent of their time. From September-December, orientation activities are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. From January-August, the exact schedule is determined by the placement, but remains a full-time commitment.
Q: Is there an option to telecommute as fellows?
A: No, this is a full time, immersive experience in Washington DC.
Q: How are fellowship assignments determined?
A: Throughout the orientation, fellows will be advised on the various opportunities and merits of specific placements. In November, the National Program Office (NPO) schedules an introductory meeting for the fellows as a group with the majority and minority staff in the committees of jurisdiction as well as with staff in personal offices. Fellows meet with 12-14 offices as a group and follow up with offices of their interest for individual interviews.
Q: Why is there variability in the fellowship term (minimum of 12 months but may be longer)?
A: Fellows may request approval from the NPO to extend the Washington residential period past the 12-month fellowship period (but no longer than December 31)
Q: Can I continue my board position during the fellowship?
A: To avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest, fellows must excuse/recuse themselves from board positions, participation in associations and societies, and any fiduciary responsibilities during their fellowship.
Q: If I have a research grant, can I finish it during the fellowship?
A: Fellows may devote a small amount of professional effort during the orientation period (September – December) to complete professional obligations. However, fellows cannot devote any professional effort after the orientation period since it will be considered a conflict of interest because their fellowship assignments will be on the Hill with a member of Congress or in the executive branch.
Q: What types of opportunities have most alumni pursued after the fellowship?
A: Visit the alumni directory to read the bios of our alumni. If you wish to contact our alumni who are located in your geographic area and/or who share a similar professional background, please contact the NPO at (202) 334-1506 or info@healthpolicyfellows.org.
Q: How do I find a place to live in the Washington, D.C., area?
A: Most fellows locate housing near Metro train stations or bus stops to ease the everyday commute to the NPO and the Congress. Since the current fellows often provide the most helpful advice about housing and convenient locations in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, the NPO will connect the new fellows with the current fellows.
Q: Is there relocation assistance? If so, may I travel back to my originating state during the fellowship using the relocation allowance?
A: Fellows who reside more than 50 miles away from the D.C. area prior to the start of the fellowship are eligible for a relocation and housing support allowance of up to $20,000 per fellow. These funds can be used to find housing, partially offset rent expenses, rent furniture, and take trips back to home city.
Q: What are some ways to learn more about the program and the past fellows?
A: Please follow our LinkedIn page for up-to-date information and news about the program, and visit our alumni directory to see what alumni do after the fellowship.
Eligibility
Q: What is considered 'mid-career'?
A: Since we know that lives and careers follow many paths, we do NOT define “mid-career” in terms of age or years since graduation. Typically, our fellows have at least the equivalent of 10 years of full-time practice/work experience (beyond training/residency) contributing to the health policy field for at least 10 years after the fellowship. Successful applicants to this program have gained deep subject matter expertise and practical experience in an area of health or the drivers of health and have a demonstrated track record of leadership activities and distinguished professional accomplishments. It is often helpful to refer to the “Ideal Candidate” description and the bios of current fellows to see examples of the types of backgrounds of successful applicants.
Q: What is considered an advanced degree?
A: An advanced degree refers to a postgraduate degree (e.g., master’s degree, JD, MD, PhD, DO).
Q: Is prior health policy experience required?
A: No. Though many applicants have some policy experience, all fellows undergo more than three months of intensive training in the orientation and arrive at the fellowship assignment equipped to work with a congressional committee, other office or agency, or a Member’s personal office.
Q: Am I eligible to apply if I do some work around advocacy, but it is not my primary job?
A: Yes.
Q: Am I eligible to apply if I am a U.S. citizen who currently lives and works abroad?
A: Yes, however, the application portal must be accessed within the United States.
Application Process
Q: How many applications do you typically receive?
A: We typically receive 50-75 applications every year.
Q: Who is considered the ideal reference?
A: Your reference writers should be individuals who know you well and can speak to your qualifications and potential.
Q: Can you apply a second or third time if I am not initially successful?
A: Yes. Since our program is very competitive, some individuals have been successful after applying a second or third time. Repeat applications are encouraged, especially for individuals earlier in their career experience.
Q: In the case of re-applicants, is their original application reviewed during the process of evaluating their new application?
A: No. The advisory board reviews all applications afresh every year and evaluates each candidate among the applicant pool for that year.
Q: Are there any opportunities for feedback on the applicants who are turned down?
A: RWJF or NPO does not provide individual critiques, review, or feedback of any kind on applications submitted.
Selection Process
Q: Who are the members of the selection committee?
A: Members of the RWJF Health Policy Fellows advisory board assess all applicants and select fellows each year based on the selection criteria and goals of the program.
Q: Who is an ideal candidate?
A: Ideal candidates for this fellowship have a record of exceptional professional accomplishment and are recognized experts 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, critical thinking, 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.
Q: When is the decision made regarding finalist status?
A: All applicants are notified of their status in mid-January. Applicants selected as finalists will be invited to an interview in mid-February in Washington, D.C. Selection and notification of fellows cohort occurs in the end of February.
Sponsoring Institutions
Q: Do I need a sponsoring institution?
A: Yes--the award cannot go directly to an individual. Applicants who have an employment relationship with an eligible sponsor should apply as a Track 1 applicant. Individuals who have no such affiliation, should apply as a Track 2 applicant, in which case the award be administered by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).
Q: What is considered an eligible sponsoring institution?
A: Nonprofit health care organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), governmental offices, and academic centers that are housed at nonprofit, tax-exempt or public institutions of higher education are eligible sponsors.
Q: How do I determine if I should apply as a Track 1 or Track 2 applicant?
A: If you have an eligible sponsoring institution, it is best to apply as Track 1 to keep your fringe benefits, employer sponsored health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits in place. If it is not at all possible to be Track 1, then it is best to be a Track 2 applicant for your benefit.
Q: Can you begin the application process as a Track 1 and transition to Track 2 if selected as a finalist?
A: Yes, if necessary.
Administration of the Fellowship Funds
Q: What is the difference between the Track 1 and Track 2 stipend administration options?
A: Under Track 1, the RWJF grants up to $175,000 directly to the institution named as the sponsoring institution. During the first 12 months (September 1 through August 31 of the following year), fellowship funds of up to $160,000 in salary plus fringe benefits may be requested. The sponsoring institution may supplement the fellowship funds. Under Track 2, the NAM administers the award for applicants without a sponsoring institution. A fellow under Track 2 will receive a stipend of up to $160,000 divided equally into monthly payments and can include in this amount enrollment in an optional health insurance program. The stipend and health insurance payments are subtracted from the total award of $175,000.
Q: Is there a preference for applicants with an eligible sponsoring organization versus independent applicants?
A: No.