Fellowship in Health Policy and Leadership

In this exciting and evolving world of health system change, physicians must be knowledgeable of the health care system and have the unique skills to lead these changes both locally and nationally. The University of Maryland Fellowship in Health Policy and Leadership is designed to give early career emergency physicians a unique, tailored experience in health care policy, to be ready to effectively lead policy development, implementation and advocacy at the local, state or national level.  Through formal didactic training, at least 2 full-time policy experiences, leadership development, as well as enormous opportunities to apply policy and advocacy skills both domestically and internationally, the fellowship will provide a springboard for a successful career as a physician leader. The comprehensive 2-year design will ensure fellows have an in-depth experience that will make them competitive candidates for policy jobs at the completion of the fellowship. 

 

Recent Fellow Dr. Theresa Tassey working hard in Annapolis with Maryland Senator Dr. Clarence Lam.

Program Components

1. At least 2 practical policy experiences at the level of a staffer. Fellows will have the opportunity to staff a member of the Maryland General Assembly during its Legislative Session from January to April of the first fellowship year.  In the second year potential placements include:

• Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• U.S. House of Representatives
• County or City Health Department
• Maryland Governor’s Office
• Others, depending on the fellow’s interests

2. Formal education in health policy

• Opportunity to complete either a full Masters Degree or Certificate in Public Health Practice and Policy in the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s Department of Health Services Administration.  This program is primarily online and designed for working professionals, with several seminars /courses focused on leadership development.  Fellows who do not wish to obtain a degree or certificate may enroll in seminars/courses tailored to their needs and interests, financed by a generous CME allotment.   
• In addition, the department holds regular journal clubs covering important policy topics.

3. Personalized leadership development and career planning

• The fellowship has partnered with a leading physician leadership organization to provide personalized training and mentorship.

4. Develop a broad network of policy connections

• From Day 1, the fellowship focuses heavily on meeting a series of local and national policy leaders to help guide placements for the fellowship and to provide career guidance.  Taking advantage of the close proximity to Washington, D.C, fellows will regularly attend events and meet with leaders in the nation’s capital, and are encouraged to collaborate with other practicing physicians interested in policy in the DC area. In addition, fellows are given a generous CME allotment to attend key local and national policy conferences.

5. A focused research/policy analysis project

• Fellows will be expected to participate in a research or policy analysis project of publishable quality. Fellows will have access to the experienced faculty of the University of Maryland Department of Emergency Medicine for mentorship on a project, as well as faculty in the School of Public Health.

6. Opportunities to get involved in advocacy on the national and local level

• Fellows will be encouraged to be involved in organized emergency medicine advocacy. Several faculty are seasoned leaders in Maryland ACEP and national AAEM.

One to two fellows will be selected each year. Fellows will work part-time in one of the challenging clinical sites of the University of Maryland Emergency Medicine Network, with the opportunity to teach medical students and residents. 

Benefits Include

• full medical and dental health benefits
• full funding of the MPH degree
• generous CME to cover conferences, board exams, licensing and professional development

Qualifications

• applicants must be board eligible/certified in emergency medicine and within 5 years of completing residency

 

Health policy faculty member Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne with Senator Tim Kaine.

 

To apply:

 

Applications are accepted via email by October 4, 2024.

 

Please send a CV, cover letter, and 2 letters of recommendation (1 from a program director) to:

Kyle Fischer, MD, MPH, FACEP

Director, Health Policy and Fellowship in Health Policy and Leadership

University of Maryland Department of Emergency Medicine  

kfischer@som.umaryland.edu

Fellowship Director Dr. Kyle Fischer, MD, MPH, FACEP on Capitol Hill.