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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.

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.

No, this is a full time, immersive experience in Washington, DC.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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 DC, Maryland, or Virginia, the NPO will connect the new fellows with the current fellows.

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.

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.

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.

An advanced degree refers to a postgraduate degree (e.g., master’s degree, JD, MD, PhD, DO).

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.

Yes.

Yes, however, the application portal must be accessed within the United States.

Ideal candidates for this fellowship have a record of exceptional professional accomplishment and are recognized experts within their profession, community, institution, and/or organization. The fellowship strongly encourages individuals with diverse backgrounds, ideologies, and perspectives to apply.

Candidates who come from professional backgrounds and disciplines that have not historically been represented in the RWJF Health Policy Fellows program are encouraged to highlight how their subject matter expertise and career trajectory support the goals of the program.

Because of the unique nature of working on Capitol Hill or in the executive branch of the federal government and the uncertainty that often accompanies the political 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 during the fellowship and in their subsequent roles as leaders and influencers committed to building a healthier future for everyone.

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.

No. The advisory board reviews all applications afresh every year and evaluates each candidate among the applicant pool for that year.

RWJF or NPO does not provide individual critiques, review, or feedback of any kind on applications submitted.

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.

All applicants are notified of their status in January.  Applicants selected as finalists will be invited to an interview in March in Washington, DC.

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).

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.

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.

Yes, if necessary.

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.

No.