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)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellowship?
The Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Minority Health Policy, formerly The Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy, is a one-year, full-time, academic degree-granting program designed to create physician leaders, particularly minority physician leaders, who will pursue careers in health policy, public health practice, and academia.

Established through the support of The Commonwealth Fund in December 1995 and under the direction of the Minority Faculty Development Program of the Harvard Medical School, the Fellowship incorporates courses taught in the Harvard School of Public Health, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Harvard Business School.

How many fellows will be recruited per year?
Five fellowships will be awarded per year over a period of nine years. The continuation of the program after nine years will depend upon funding sources.

What benefits does the program provide?
Each fellowship provides support including: a $50,000 stipend, full tuition for a master's level degree, health insurance, books, travel and related expenses, and financial assistance toward the support of a practicum project.

When does the program begin each year?
The program is a 12- month program beginning July 1, at the start of the summer session of the Harvard School of Public Health.

Who is eligible for the Fellowship?

• Physicians who have completed residency. Additional experience beyond residency, such as Chief Residency, is preferred.
• Board certified or board eligible.
• Awareness of, or interest and experience in dealing with, the health needs of minority populations.
• Strong evidence of past leadership experience, especially as related to community efforts and health policy.
• Intention to pursue a career in public health practice, policy, or academia.
• U.S. citizenship (Permanent Residents are not eligible).

How to apply to the Fellowship?
Applicants are required to complete applications to both the Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Minority Health Policy and the Harvard School of Public Health. Fellowship participation is contingent upon acceptance to both, although applicants not accepted to the Fellowship will still be eligible for admission to the Harvard School of Public Health. All requests for application materials should be addressed to:

You may also request applications or information through e-mail mfdp_cfhuf@hms.harvard.edu or the Fellowship Web site
www.mfdp.med.harvard.edu/fellows_faculty/cfhuf/about/eligibility.htm

What is the timeframe from applying to entering the program?
Applications must be submitted by the first Monday of January. All applications will be screened by the Fellowship program and be reviewed by the Coordinating Committee in January. Approximately 12 candidates will be selected for campus interviews in March. Five Fellows will be selected in March and notification to all finalists will occur in April. The program begins in July.

Can I complete the Fellowship on a 2 year or part-time basis?
The fellowships are intended for full-time study, and the extensions to complete degrees and the Fellowship on a part-time basis are not acceptable.

I already have an MPH degree, but not in the field of health policy. Can I still apply for the Fellowship?
Applicants with prior MPH degrees are not eligible to apply to the Fellowship to receive another MPH degree. However, applicants with prior MPH degrees are eligible to apply for the Fellowship to receive an MPA from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

In your advertisement, you put BC/BE required as one of qualifications. What does that mean?
This qualification refers to physicians who are either board certified (BC) or board eligible (BE).

Are permanent residents eligible for the program?
The program is for U.S. citizens only.