Updated September 2026
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, or if you would like to connect with an IHPI member who has participated one of these opportunities, please reach out to Sarah Wang.
U-M-affiliated Opportunities
IHPI Impact Accelerator Policy and Communications Training Program
Program dates: May 18-20, 2027
This three-day program is designed to prepare IHPI members to navigate today’s policy and communications landscape; develop key messages and effectively engage with media and policy audiences; and frame, translate, and disseminate their research findings for greater impact. Participants will develop skills to bridge the gap between research and policy through skill-building sessions, practical policy and communications exercises and tools, and an interactive faculty expert panel to learn how other members have engaged firsthand with policymakers and the media. Contact Sarah Wang with any questions.
CHRT Health Policy Fellowship
Deadline to apply: November 14, 2026 | Program dates: Various Fridays from late January – May 2027
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 Ben Case or read through this FAQ.
External Opportunities
AcademyHealth Health Policy Orientation
Program dates: October 26-28, 2026
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)
Deadline to apply: November 1, 2026 | 24-month placement in Washington, D.C., beginning September 2027
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).
Health and Aging Policy Fellows
Deadline to apply: Typically in March or April | Nine-to-twelve month placement; 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. The program offers additional specific tracks as well, including the Behavioral Health Policy Track, the Caregiver Policy Track, based in and serving Western New York and Southeastern Michigan, and the VA Program Track.
NAM Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine (ELHM) Scholars Program
Deadline to nominate: October 30, 2026 | Three-year term (non-residential)
The NAM Victor J. Dzau 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
Deadline to apply: November 3, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
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 with an interest in health and healthcare policy. Fellows participate in the policy process at the federal level and use that leadership experience to promote policies, practices, and systems changes that advance the health of the nation. The fellowship requires a full-time commitment with a minimum 12-month residence in Washington, D.C.