Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Minority Health Policy

mfdp_mcff@hms.harvard.edu
617.432.2922

The Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Minority Health Policy is a one-year fellowship designed to prepare physician-leaders who will work to improve the capacity of the healthcare system to promote policies and practices that improve access to high quality care for historically marginalized populations. The 12 month program begins on July 1, at the start of the summer session of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The fellowship includes:

• Academic training and coursework, including an MPH or MPA
• Leadership training, with substantive knowledge in health policy and management, while creating a network of physician-leaders capable of advancing successfully among the public, nonprofit, and academic sectors
• Mentoring by Harvard senior faculty and administrators as well as access to national leaders in health policy and public health practice
• Access to faculty and resources of Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Harvard Kennedy School to provide an enhanced core curriculum addressing transformation of healthcare delivery systems, health policy and practice, health provision and managed care, and health quality improvement, particularly as they relate to minority health issues
• Access to resources to enhance the networking, career development, and career advancement of fellows
• Links to program activities co-sponsored with the Division of Policy Translation and Leadership Development

Physicians from groups underrepresented in medicine are encouraged to apply. Those groups include:

• Native Americans, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians
• Black, African Americans
• Hispanic, Latino, Mexican Americans
• Mainland Puerto Ricans

Curriculum

Applicant eligibility requirements include:

• Physicians who have completed residency in the U.S., either board certified or board eligible (BE/BC). Additional experience beyond residency is preferred.
• Experience or interest in addressing and improving the health needs of historically marginalized populations
• Strong evidence of leadership experience or potential, especially as related to community efforts, quality improvement, transformation of healthcare delivery systems, and/or health policy
• Intention to pursue a career in policy, public service, and/or academia
• U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency

Fellowships provide support including:

• $80,000 stipend
• Full tuition for a master's level degree
• Health insurance
• Books, travel and related expenses
• Financial assistance toward the support of a practicum project

Links to additional guidance and the online application are available on the program website.

Additional Information:

• Program brochure
• Alumni video
• Frequently asked questions