Updated September 2025
Do you want to take your impact on health policy and practice to the next level?
Consider applying for a health policy training or fellowship opportunity at U-M or nationally. Whether you’re looking to understand today’s complex health policy environment, strengthen your communication skills, engage directly with policymakers, or gain hands-on experience in Washington, D.C., there are a range of health policy opportunities designed to support your professional growth and help you translate your work into real-world impact.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah Wang.
U-M-affiliated Opportunities
IHPI Impact Accelerator Policy and Communications Training Program
Applications Open: Monday, October 13, 2025
Application Deadline: Monday, November 17, 2025
Program Dates: May 19-21, 2026
This three-day program is designed to prepare IHPI members to navigate today’s policy and communications landscape; to develop key messages and effectively engage with media and policy audiences; and to frame, translate, and disseminate their research findings for greater impact. Participants will develop skills to bridge the gap between research and policy through interactive skill-building sessions, practical policy and communications learnings and tools, and an interactive faculty expert panel to learn how other members have engaged firsthand with policymakers and the media. Sessions will be led by IHPI communications and policy & government relations professionals, IHPI faculty members, and external experts. Contact Sarah Wang with any questions.
CHRT Health Policy Fellowship
Application Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025
Program Dates: Various Fridays from late January – May 2026
The CHRT Policy Fellowship brings mid-career health services researchers together, with Michigan state policymakers and nonprofit leaders, to learn from experts in health and health policy as well as from one another. Over the course of four months, the fellows meet for expert sessions and take trips to Lansing, Detroit, and Washington, D.C., with the overall goal of helping researchers effectively translate their research into policy. If you have any questions, contact Holly Quivera Teague or read through this FAQ.
External Opportunities
AcademyHealth Health Policy Orientation
Registration open
Program Dates: October 27-29, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Join AcademyHealth in Washington, D.C. to hear how to get your message across to policy leaders, learn about the role of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, and evaluate the current policy landscape both nationally and at the state level. With a small meeting format limited to 50 participants, the Orientation encourages collaboration, interaction, and networking among attendees and esteemed faculty. Please note that you do not have to be a member of AcademyHealth to attend.
American Association for the Advancement of Science: Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF)
Application Deadline: Saturday, November 1, 2025
24-month placement in Washington, D.C., beginning September 2026
These fellowships provide opportunities to outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking while contributing their knowledge and analytical skills to the federal policymaking process. There are four fellowship areas: executive branch fellowship, judicial branch fellowship, legislative branch fellowship, and the Roger Revelle Fellowship in Global Stewardship (which places fellows in both nonprofit organizations and the federal government). New this year, they are seeking experts in AI to join an STPF Legislative Branch Cohort in AI.
Health and Aging Policy Fellows
Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 15, 2026
Residential (in Washington, D.C.) and non-residential tracks available
The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program provides a unique opportunity for professionals in health and aging to gain the experience and skills necessary to make a positive contribution to the development and implementation of health policies that affect older Americans. The program offers two different tracks for individual placement: (1) a residential track that includes a nine-to-12-month placement in Washington, D.C. or at a state agency; and (2) a non-residential track that includes a health policy project and brief placement(s) throughout the year at relevant sites. Fellows are selected each year through a national competition based on their commitment to health and aging issues, leadership potential, and interest in impacting policy. The program has a broad interdisciplinary focus.
NAM Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine (ELHM) Scholars Program
Application Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
Three-year term (non-residential, remaining at home institution)
The NAM ELHM Scholars program offers an opportunity for exceptional early- to mid-career professionals working in biomedical science, population health, healthcare, health policy, and related fields to engage with NAM members, leaders, and initiatives. Scholars have opportunities for mentorship, participate in NAM activities, and exchange ideas with each other and leaders across sectors and disciplines. NAM also hosts a separate, annual invitation-only two day Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Emerging Leaders Forum in Washington, D.C. for early- and mid-career professionals with exceptional professional promise and achievement. Visit the NAM website for details and this FAQ compiled by previous IHPI members who were NAM ELHM Scholars.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellowship
Application Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2025
12–24-month placement in Washington, D.C., beginning September 2026
The RWJF Health Policy Fellowship provides the nation’s most comprehensive learning experience at the intersection of health, science, and policy in Washington, D.C. It is an outstanding opportunity for exceptional mid-career health professionals and behavioral/social scientists with an interest in health and healthcare policy. Fellows participate in the policy process at the federal level and use that leadership experience to improve health equity, healthcare, and health policy. The fellowship requires a full-time commitment with a minimum 12-month residence in Washington, D.C., which prepares individuals to influence the future of health and healthcare in the nation.