Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an eligible sponsoring institution?

A: Nonprofit health care organizations or academic centers who can administer the grant award, i.e., administer salary payments and fringe benefits during the fellowship year are eligible sponsoring institutions. A variety of entities, ranging from academic health centers, universities, and hospitals, to foundations and community health care organizations qualify as sponsoring institutions. Governmental organizations such as state or local health departments may serve in this capacity as well.

Q: Do I need a sponsoring institution?

A: There are two options for the administration of fellowship funds. Applicants may apply from an eligible sponsoring institution (Track 1) or as an individual (Track 2) and request the award be administered by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). (see Call for Applications)

Q: What is the difference between the Track 1 and Track 2 stipend administration options?

A: For Track 1, RWJF grants up to $165,000 directly to the institution named as the sponsoring institution. During the first twelve months, (September 1, 2010 through August 31, 2011) fellowship funds of up to $94,000 in salary plus an additional amount for fringe benefits may be requested. The sponsoring institution may supplement the fellowship funds.

Under Track 2, the IOM to administers the award for applicants without a sponsoring institution. A fellow under Track 2 will receive a stipend of up to $94,000 divided equally into 12 monthly payments and may request enrollment in an optional health insurance program. The stipend and health insurance payments are subtracted from the total award of $165, 000.

Q: I am applying under the Track 2 option and need information to complete the "About My Organization" screen in the Grantmaking Online system.

A: Click here for instructions.

Q: If I am invited to complete a full proposal, will I need to budget for relocation expenses out of the $165,000 grant?

A: No. The program office will provide an additional allowance for relocation for up to $12,000. Details on reimbursements for a housing search trip and the relocation expenses to Washington, D.C. will be sent to finalists who accept the award.

Q: Are there any other noteworthy items related to the use the $165,000 grant?

A:

• During the first 12 months of the fellowship no additional direct costs or indirect costs are paid.
• If grantees fail to must meet RWJF requirements for the submission of annual and final reports, as well as timely notification of changes to budgt or fellowship plans, there could be a delay in funding.
• Fellows are encouraged to consult the IRS Web site for more information about fellowship tax reporting.

Q: Who is the ideal candidate?

A: Exceptional midcareer health professionals and behavioral and social scientists with an interest in health and health care who:

• possess the skills and commitment to use the fellowship experience to provide leadership in improving health, health care and health policy at the national, state or local level;
• bring a depth of expertise and knowledge about health and health care to the policy-making process;
• can offer an informed perspective on important and complex challenges facing health policy-makers;
• have earned an advanced degree in one of the following disciplines: allied health professions; biomedical sciences; dentistry; economics or other social sciences; health services organization and administration; medicine; nursing; public health; or social and behavioral health; and
• do not have an official job description or responsibilities that are primarily government relations or advocacy.

Q: What are some ways to learn more about the program and the past fellows? Can I talk to an alumnus?

A: The Alumni Video profiles posted on our website offer personal fellowship experiences of past fellows and can be a good way to learn about the program. You can also search the Alumni Directory for alumni who are located in your geographic area and/or those who share a similar professional background. You may also contact program staff.

Q: How do I find a place to live in Washington?

A: Current fellows often provide the most helpful advice about housing and convenient locations in Maryland, DC, or Virginia. They will also offer tips on local schools for those bringing children. The program offices are located close to two Metro stops. Most fellows locate housing near Metro stops to ease the everyday commute to the program office and the Congress.

Q: How does the program decide on working assignments?

A: Throughout the orientation, fellows will be advised on the the various opportunities and merits of specific placements. Ultimately, the fellow decides on a work assignment after interviewing a range of options.

Q: What is my fellowship time obligation? What kind of hours can I expect during orientation? Are there a lot of evening events?

A: Fellows must commit 100 percent of their time to program activities during the first 12 months. Orientation meetings are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM. Most Wednesday mornings are reserved for independent visits, reading, and other projects at the discretion of the fellow. Fellows generally receive advance notice for events outside of that time frame.

Q: Who are the members of the selection committee?

A: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows Advisory Board will review each application. Members have been chosen cooperatively by the IOM—with approval from the National Academies—and by RWJF.