PROGRAMS FOR FELLOWS AND JUNIOR FACULTY

THE COMMONWEALTH FUND/HARVARD UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP IN MINORITY HEALTH POLICY

The Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy is designed to prepare physicians, particularly minority physicians, for leadership roles in formulating and implementing public health policy and practice on a national, state, and/or local level.

It is expected that the Fellowship will support the development of a cadre of leaders in minority health, well-trained academically and professionally in public health, health policy, health management, and clinical medicine, as well as committed to pursuing careers in public service.

BACKGROUND

Health care delivery in the United States is undergoing rapid change, with implications for physicians, patients, and institutions. The impact of these changes on minority populations, which historically have been medically underserved, is largely unknown. Minority Americans are more likely to report poor health status and experience higher mortality rates for many conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Access to health care is often impeded because many individuals are uninsured, rely on public coverage, or live in communities with limited availability of providers. If major national health issues are to be fully and equitably addressed, the perspectives and concerns of all racial and ethnic groups must be considered.

Highly trained physicians, especially minority physicians, can contribute significantly by participating in policy decisions to influence the health care of minority and disadvantaged populations. This level of participation requires a knowledge of government and management, as well as clinical medicine and public health. Policy leaders in minority health must understand the issues and be culturally competent to ensure that minority health needs are met.

While physician education and training establish a firm foundation on which to build effective health leadership, The Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy is unique in its dedication to training physicians for leadership roles in health policy.

Under the auspices of the Minority Faculty Development Program at Harvard Medical School, five one-year fellowships will be awarded per year. Fellows will complete academic work leading to a master's level degree and, through additional program activities, gain exposure to, and understanding of, the major health issues facing minority and disadvantaged populations.