Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Fellows Program in United States

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows Program supports exceptional midcareer professionals through a 12–24 month full-time fellowship in Washington, D.C. Fellows gain hands-on experience in federal health policy through intensive orientation, policy seminars, and placements in federal legislative or executive branch offices. Each fellow receives a $175,000 stipend, plus up to $20,000 for relocation and approved housing expenses. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows Program is designed for experienced professionals who want to gain direct experience in federal health policy and decision-making. The programme aims to develop leaders who can contribute to health policy and help drive systemic changes that improve the health of the nation. Fellows spend their fellowship working in Washington, D.C., gaining practical exposure to how federal health policy is developed and implemented. The fellowship provides a combination of intensive preparation and hands-on federal policy experience. Fellows begin with an intensive three-and-a-half-month orientation before moving into their federal placements.

The experience includes:

This structure allows fellows to build knowledge of federal policymaking before applying that knowledge in a practical government setting. The fellowship begins with an intensive orientation lasting approximately three and a half months. During this period, fellows engage with national leaders working in health, healthcare policy, and related fields. The orientation also includes seminars covering important aspects of federal policymaking, including health economics, the congressional budget process, and federal decision-making. The goal is to prepare fellows for their subsequent placement within the federal government. Following the orientation, fellows gain hands-on experience through placements in federal legislative or executive branch offices. These placements provide an opportunity to observe and participate in the development of federal health policy. Fellows are responsible for securing their own federal government placement. The placement must be secured by January 15, 2028. The fellowship is a full-time commitment lasting between 12 and 24 months. The programme is based in Washington, D.C., allowing fellows to work directly within the federal policy environment. Applicants should be prepared to dedicate themselves fully to the fellowship during the required period. Each fellow receives a $175,000 stipend over the 12–24 month fellowship period. Additional financial support of up to $20,000 is available for eligible relocation and approved housing expenses. The financial support is intended to help fellows meet expenses associated with their full-time commitment in Washington, D.C. The programme is intended for exceptional midcareer professionals with substantial experience in a health-related field. Applicants must meet key educational, professional, and residency requirements.

Eligible candidates must have:

Applicants can come from a range of professional settings.

Eligible candidates may work in:

The programme is designed for experienced professionals who can bring their existing knowledge and expertise into the federal health policy environment. Government employees may be eligible, but applicants whose primary responsibilities are government relations or advocacy are excluded. Candidates should therefore assess whether their principal professional responsibilities meet the programme’s eligibility requirements before applying. A strong candidate should demonstrate substantial professional experience in a health-related discipline and an ability to contribute meaningfully to health policy. Applicants should be able to connect their professional background with the broader goal of improving health policy and supporting systemic change.

Relevant strengths may include:

The programme combines academic preparation with direct experience in federal offices. The orientation introduces fellows to national health policy leaders and provides structured learning in areas such as health economics and federal budgeting. The subsequent federal placement allows fellows to apply this knowledge in a real-world policy environment. This combination is intended to help midcareer professionals develop a deeper understanding of how federal health policy is shaped. The fellowship requires a full-time commitment in Washington, D.C. The stipend and additional relocation and housing support are intended to help fellows manage the costs associated with participating in the programme. Applicants should consider the practical requirements of relocating to and working in Washington, D.C., for the fellowship period. Fellows are responsible for securing their federal government placements by January 15, 2028. Applicants should therefore plan their federal placement strategy well in advance and identify appropriate legislative or executive branch offices. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their professional experience, education, and policy interests align with the fellowship.

A strong application should explain:

Candidates should also demonstrate a clear understanding of why hands-on federal policy experience would be valuable to their professional development. Health policy decisions at the federal level can influence healthcare systems, public health, access to care, and health outcomes across the United States. The Health Policy Fellows Program gives experienced professionals an opportunity to move beyond their existing professional settings and gain direct exposure to federal policymaking. By combining intensive policy education with practical government placements, the programme aims to develop professionals who can contribute to health policy and broader systemic change. It is a full-time fellowship that gives experienced health professionals hands-on experience in federal health policy through intensive orientation and plac