RWJF Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 | $175,000 Fellowship for Mid-Career Health Professionals
Applications are now open for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028, one of the most prestigious health policy fellowships in the United States. Designed for accomplished mid-career professionals, the fellowship offers an immersive experience in Washington, DC, where participants work directly with federal policymakers to shape the future of health policy.
Since its launch in 1973, the nonpartisan fellowship has prepared more than 300 leaders from medicine, nursing, public health, law, economics, and other health-related disciplines to influence national policy and improve health outcomes across the United States. Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort are now open and close at 3:00 PM ET on 3 November 2026.
About the Fellowship
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program gives experienced professionals a unique opportunity to step away from their current roles and spend a year working at the highest levels of the U.S. federal government.
The fellowship begins with an intensive three-and-a-half-month orientation, where fellows engage with members of Congress, executive branch officials, policy experts, think tanks, and health leaders. Participants also receive training in health economics, federal budgeting, public policy, and legislative processes before beginning their placements.
Fellowship Experience
Following orientation, fellows are placed within:
- The U.S. Congress
- Congressional committees
- Federal executive agencies
During their placements, fellows work alongside senior policymakers and contribute to real policy initiatives. Typical responsibilities include:
- Drafting legislation
- Developing health policy proposals
- Preparing policy briefings and reports
- Organizing hearings and stakeholder meetings
- Advising legislators and senior government officials
- Participating in leadership development programmes
- Delivering presentations on key health policy issues
The fellowship combines practical government experience with ongoing seminars, communications training, and networking opportunities throughout the year. Fellows also become part of a distinguished national alumni network after completing the programme.
Fellowship Funding
The programme provides up to $175,000 in fellowship funding over two years.
During the first 12-month residential period, fellows may request up to $160,000 to support salary and related costs. The remaining funding supports health policy activities following the residential fellowship year.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be exceptional mid-career professionals with significant expertise in a health-related field.
To qualify, candidates should:
- Hold an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctoral).
- Have substantial professional experience in a health-related discipline.
- Demonstrate recognised expertise within their profession.
- Be committed to improving health policy and public health outcomes.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
Professionals from medicine, nursing, public health, dentistry, law, economics, behavioural health, social work, and other health-related fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants whose primary role is government relations or advocacy are not eligible.
Ideal Candidate
The programme seeks accomplished professionals who have already demonstrated leadership and are ready to expand their influence through federal policymaking.
Successful candidates typically possess:
- Outstanding professional achievements.
- Strong leadership potential.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Adaptability and collaboration skills.
- A commitment to advancing health for all Americans.
The fellowship strongly encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and disciplines that have historically been underrepresented in health policy leadership.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Advisory Board. Finalists are selected for interviews in Washington, DC, before the annual cohort is chosen. Applicants are evaluated on professional accomplishments, leadership potential, communication skills, and their vision for applying the fellowship experience to future health policy work.
Why Apply?
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to influence national health policy while building lasting leadership skills and professional networks. Fellows gain firsthand experience in federal government, develop a deeper understanding of legislative and executive decision-making, and return to their organizations equipped to lead meaningful improvements in health systems and public policy.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort close at 3:00 PM ET on 3 November 2026. Interested professionals are encouraged to submit their applications early and attend one of the programme’s information sessions to learn more about the fellowship.
Shape the Future of Health Policy
If you are an accomplished mid-career health professional seeking to expand your leadership at the national level, the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program offers an exceptional opportunity to work alongside policymakers, contribute to meaningful legislative initiatives, and help shape the future of health and healthcare in the United States.
Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 / Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 / Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 / Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 / Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 / Policy Fellows Program 2027–2028 /
