How to Apply

The application period for the 2008-2009 Fellowship is now closed. The Call for Applications for the 2009-2010 fellowship year will be released in September. Please see last year's Call for Applications (below) for guidance on how to apply for the fellowship.

All inquiries regarding the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellowships Program, selection criteria or application requirements should be directed to the National Program Office (NPO):

RWJ Health Policy Fellowships Program
500 5th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 334-1506
E-mail: info@healthpolicyfellows.org

Potential candidates should submit their application directly to the IOM along with documented sponsorship from an eligible institution.

The application package must include the following:

  • A packet from the applicant containing:
    • a cover letter that includes complete contact information throughout the application period;
    • an up-to-date curriculum vitae;
    • a one-page biographical sketch; and
    • a list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references who have been asked to comment on the applicant’s qualifications for the program. The actual reference letters should address the selection criteria listed above and be sent directly to the NPO following the institution’s sponsor letter, but no later than November 16, 2007.
  • Brief essays on the following four topics:
    • The reasons you want to be an RWJF Health Policy Fellow, including a discussion of your major strengths and qualifications for the program. (300 words)
    • A description of your most significant community-related activity or activities that utilize your professional expertise and a statement explaining why you consider it (or them) to be significant. (300 words)
    • A sample letter to a congressional Representative on improving one aspect of the nation’s health or health care, with a recommendation for a specific policy position. Explain why you think the recommendation is important, what issues it raises, and why you think it should be supported. (250-500 words)
    • Plans for continued development of your health policy leadership skills after you complete your work assignment in Washington, D.C. Explain how you propose to contribute to the development of health policy at the national, state or local level, at your sponsoring institution or elsewhere. This discussion must be consistent with the budget submitted with this application (see below). Fellows will have an opportunity to update and revise their plan during the spring of 2008. (300 words)
  • A letter from the sponsoring institution’s chief executive officer containing:
    • an evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications for the program;
    • a description of how the sponsoring institution will help the applicant carry out his or her plan during and after the Washington work experience;
    • a proposed budget of up to $165,000 (salary support must be limited to a rate of $94,000) including a description of any financial or in-kind resources that the institution will make available to help the applicant implement the proposed plan over the course of two 18-month periods;
    • a statement of willingness to serve as an adviser to the applicant, and if selected, to cultivate the fellow’s growth as a health policy leader during the funding period of up to 36 months; and
    • a commitment to administer the grant and comply with RWJF’s grant reporting requirements.

RWJF does not provide individual critiques of applications submitted.