Apply for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028. Midcareer U.S. professionals can receive a $175,000 stipend, relocation support, and hands-on federal policy experience in Washington, D.C.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 Health Policy Fellows Program, one of the United States’ most prestigious leadership fellowships for experienced professionals working at the intersection of health, science, and public policy.
Administered by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), the fellowship offers a unique opportunity for midcareer leaders to gain first-hand experience in the federal policymaking process while developing the leadership skills needed to influence the future of healthcare and public health in the United States.
About the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program is a full-time fellowship that places selected fellows in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of 12 months. Participants work closely with members of Congress, congressional committees, or executive branch agencies while learning how federal health policy is developed and implemented.
The fellowship begins each September with an intensive three-and-a-half-month orientation covering:
- Federal health policy
- Health economics
- Congressional budget processes
- Legislative procedures
- Public policy leadership
- Government decision-making
- Meetings with national leaders, policymakers, and experts
Following orientation, fellows secure placements in federal legislative or executive branch offices, where they gain practical policy experience.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive substantial financial and professional support, including:
- Stipend: Up to $175,000 per fellow over 12–24 months
- Housing and Relocation: Reimbursement of approved relocation and housing expenses of up to $20,000
- Leadership development and executive-level policy training
- Direct exposure to the U.S. federal policymaking process
- Networking with senior government officials, legislators, and national policy leaders
- Long-term membership in an influential alumni network of health policy leaders
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
- Hold an advanced degree (master’s or doctoral degree).
- Have at least 10 years of full-time professional experience.
- Demonstrate significant expertise in a health-related discipline.
Eligible backgrounds include, but are not limited to:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Public health
- Dentistry
- Law
- Economics
- Social sciences
- Health services research
- Social work
- Behavioral health
- Housing policy
- Nutrition
- Transportation
- Environmental health
- Education
- Other health professions
Not Eligible
Applicants are not eligible if:
- Their primary job responsibilities focus on government relations or advocacy.
- They do not meet the citizenship or residency requirements.
- They have relationships prohibited under the Foundation’s conflict-of-interest rules.
Fellowship Timeline
Application Deadline
3 November 2026
Important Dates
- August–October 2026: Optional applicant webinars
- 30 October 2026: Deadline for submission of three reference letters
- 3 November 2026: Preliminary application deadline
- Mid-January 2027: Finalists notified
- Mid-February 2027: Full application deadline
- Late February 2027: Final interviews
- September 1, 2027: Fellowship begins
What Fellows Do
During the fellowship, participants:
- Work full time in Washington, D.C.
- Participate in federal policymaking
- Collaborate with congressional offices and executive agencies
- Analyze health legislation
- Develop policy recommendations
- Strengthen leadership and communication skills
- Build relationships across government, academia, and nonprofit sectors
Why Apply?
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program is widely recognized as one of the premier leadership opportunities for experienced professionals interested in shaping health policy in the United States.
Participants gain unparalleled exposure to federal government operations while expanding their leadership capacity and professional networks. Alumni of the program have gone on to hold influential positions across government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.
If you are an established professional seeking to make a broader impact on health policy and systems change, this fellowship provides the experience, mentorship, and resources to help advance your career.
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