RWJF Health Policy Fellowship 2027–2028 | $175,000 Leadership Fellowship in Washington, DC. Applications are open for the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship 2027–2028. Mid-career health professionals can receive a $175,000 fellowship to gain hands-on federal health policy experience in Washington, DC.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from exceptional mid-career professionals seeking to become leaders in U.S. health policy. Administered by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), this prestigious fellowship provides an immersive year in Washington, DC, where fellows work directly within the legislative or executive branch of the U.S. federal government.
Since its launch in 1973, the fellowship has prepared more than 300 leaders to influence health policy, strengthen health systems, and improve the health of communities across the United States.
About the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program is a nonpartisan leadership fellowship that enables experienced professionals to gain firsthand knowledge of the federal policymaking process.
During the fellowship, participants work alongside members of Congress, congressional committees, or executive branch agencies while contributing to national health policy initiatives. Fellows also receive leadership training, communications coaching, and mentoring from senior policymakers.
The program is designed for professionals who want to translate their expertise into meaningful policy impact and long-term leadership.
Fellowship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 |
| Host Organization | Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) |
| Administered By | National Academy of Medicine (NAM) |
| Location | Washington, DC, USA |
| Fellowship Duration | 12 Months (with possible extension) |
| Funding | Up to US$175,000 |
| Application Deadline | 3 November 2026 (3:00 PM ET) |
Fellowship Funding
Each selected fellow receives up to US$175,000 over two years.
Funding includes:
- Up to US$160,000 during the 12-month residential fellowship period (September through August)
- Remaining funds to support approved health policy activities during the year following the residential experience
Depending on the application track, funding may be administered through the fellow’s sponsoring institution or directly through the National Academy of Medicine.
Fellowship Structure
Orientation
The fellowship begins each September with an intensive three-and-a-half-month orientation.
Participants engage with:
- National health leaders
- Members of Congress
- Executive branch officials
- Policy experts
- Think tanks
- Advocacy organizations
- Health economists
Orientation also includes seminars covering:
- Health economics
- Federal budgeting
- Legislative processes
- Health policy priorities
- Federal decision-making
- Leadership development
Fellowship Placement
Beginning in January, fellows are placed within:
- Congressional offices
- Congressional committees
- Executive branch agencies
During these placements, fellows become active members of policy teams and may:
- Draft legislation
- Develop policy proposals
- Prepare briefing documents
- Organize congressional hearings
- Coordinate stakeholder meetings
- Meet with constituents
- Brief legislators and senior government officials
- Contribute to national health policy discussions
Throughout the fellowship, participants continue attending seminars, leadership workshops, communications training, and networking events.
Post-Fellowship Network
Following the residential fellowship, participants join a nationwide alumni network comprising more than 300 health policy leaders.
Alumni continue engaging through:
- Annual retreats
- Policy briefings
- Professional networking
- Leadership development opportunities
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals with significant expertise in health or health-related disciplines.
Applicants should generally:
- Have an advanced degree (master’s or doctoral degree)
- Possess deep professional expertise in a health-related field
- Demonstrate substantial leadership experience
- Be committed to improving health policy
Relevant disciplines include:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Dentistry
- Law
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- Health Services
- Social Work
- Behavioural Health
- Population Health
- Community Health
- Other health professions
Professionals whose primary job responsibilities involve government relations or advocacy are not eligible.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens, or
- Permanent residents of the United States at the time of application
Because fellows are placed within the U.S. federal government, eligibility is subject to applicable federal policies.
What Makes a Strong Applicant?
The advisory board evaluates applicants based on:
- Professional achievements
- Leadership potential
- Subject matter expertise
- Career accomplishments
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Commitment to improving health
- Future leadership potential
- Ability to translate fellowship experience into long-term impact
Successful candidates are typically recognized leaders within their professions or communities and demonstrate flexibility, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed by the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Advisory Board.
The selection process includes:
- Online application submission
- Initial review
- Selection of finalists
- In-person interviews in Washington, DC
- Final fellowship selection
Applicants selected for interviews receive additional guidance regarding the remaining stages of the process.
Sponsoring Institution
Applicants must apply through one of two tracks:
- Track 1: Applicants with an eligible sponsoring institution.
- Track 2: Independent applicants whose fellowship award will be administered through the National Academy of Medicine.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 3 November 2026 (3:00 PM ET) |
| Finalist Interviews | March 2027 |
| Fellowship Begins | September 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available?
Each fellow may receive up to US$175,000 across two years.
How long is the fellowship?
The residential fellowship lasts 12 months, with approved extensions possible in certain circumstances.
Is the fellowship full-time?
Yes. Fellows relocate to Washington, DC for the residential portion of the programme.
Who administers the fellowship?
The fellowship is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and administered by the National Academy of Medicine.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program is one of the United States’ premier leadership fellowships in health policy. Rather than focusing solely on academic study, the programme immerses fellows directly in the federal policymaking process, providing practical experience alongside national decision-makers while equipping participants with leadership, communication, and strategic policy skills that continue to shape their careers long after the fellowship ends.
Final Thoughts
The RWJF Health Policy Fellowship 2027–2028 offers an exceptional opportunity for accomplished mid-career health professionals to deepen their understanding of federal policymaking and strengthen their capacity to influence health policy at the national level. With generous funding of up to US$175,000, hands-on government experience, and access to a distinguished alumni network, the fellowship provides an unparalleled platform for professionals committed to advancing health and health equity across the United States.
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