Volume 1-Spring 1996

New Fellowship To Begin In July

  The Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy is a new fellowship at Harvard Medical School scheduled to admit its first group of fellows in July of 1996. Physicians, particularly minority physicians, will be prepared to take on leadership roles in the development and implementation of public health policy and practice on a national, state or local level. The Fellowship is unique in its dedication to supporting the development of a group of leaders in minority health, well-trained academically and professionally in public health, public policy, health management and clinical medicine, and committed to pursuing careers in public service.

Supporting the fellowship is The Commonwealth Fund, a New York City-based national philanthropy, which has a long-standing interest in issues affecting minority health.

The program was developed by Dr. Joan Reede, assistant dean for faculty development and diversity and director of the Minority Faculty Development Program (MFDP) at Harvard Medical School. Under Reede's direction and the auspices of MFDP, this one-year academic, degree-granting program will award five fellowships yearly. Fellows will complete academic work leading to a Master in Public Health at the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Fellowship will bring together the faculty and resources of HMS, HSPH, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Fellows will participate in supervised practicums, career development forums conducted by senior faculty and nationally recognized leaders in minority health and public policy, a seminar series and site visits. The offices of Faculty Development and Diversity and MFDP will also enhance the networking, career development and career advancement of participating fellows.

"There is tremendous interest in this much needed program. It provides an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of physicians as they address the health needs of minority and disadvantaged populations." say Reede.

Final applications have been received and the selection of finalists will be made in April for this year's fellows.