PROGRAMS FOR FELLOWS AND JUNIOR FACULTY

THE MONGAN COMMONWEALTH FUND FELLOWSHIP IN MINORITY HEALTH POLICY
(Formerly The Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy)

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The Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Minority Health Policy is designed to prepare physicians for leadership roles in formulating and promoting health policies and practices that improve the access to high quality care at the national, state, and/or local levels for the minority, disadvantaged, and most vulnerable populations. Up to five one-year, degree-granting fellowships will be awarded per year.

It is expected that the Fellowship will support the development of a cadré of leaders in health policy and practice, 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

Disparities in health care access and quality of care have been well documented. While differences in income, insurance status, or medical need play important roles, racial and ethnic disparities persist even after accounting for these factors. 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 or underinsured, rely on public coverage, or live in communities with limited access to 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.

Addressing disparities in health and health care requires prepared physician leaders’ participation in policy decisions. This level of participation requires a knowledge of government, management, and public health as well as clinical medicine. These leaders must also be culturally competent if they are to ensure that the health needs of minority, disadvantaged and vulnerable populations are met.

While physician education and training establish a firm foundation on which to build effective health leadership, the Fellowshiop is unique in its dedication to training physicians for leadership roles in health policy.