Health Policy Fellowship

This program is a unique, practical opportunity for family physicians, as well as other primary care physicians, to learn how state health policy is developed, and how laws and regulations governing health care are crafted, negotiated and implemented. Applicants are typically interested in health policy-making and in influencing the political process as it relates to health care.

The health policy fellow serves as both aide and advisor to the Chairperson of a New Jersey State Legislative Health Committee. The fellow has a unique opportunity to obtain hands-on experience informing the policymaking process. An emphasis is placed on the rigorous, day-to-day aspects of the legislative process in the dynamic environment of the State House. The health policy fellow is called upon to: critically evaluate legislation; prepare briefs and reports; advise members of the State Legislature; research complex health care problems; devise legislative solutions; interact with and assist constituents with health care concerns and problems; and represent the legislator's views at meetings and functions. Upon conclusion of the fellowship, the participants have developed a practical and comprehensive understanding of the legislative process and health care policy in New Jersey.

This fellowship is offered jointly by the Department of Family Medicine at UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Faculty preceptors include the health policy faculty in the Department of Family Medicine and the executive staff of the University Hospital. The current Chairpersons of the Senate and Assembly Health Committees serve as the direct supervisors of the fellows. Faculty include:

Alfred F. Tallia, MD, MPH, Chairman, Director of the Fellowship

Peter Amenta, MD, PhD, Interim Dean, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Judith E. Burgis, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services, RWJUH

Chair of the Senate Health Committee

Chair of the Assembly Health Committee

President, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Many other faculty members throughout UMDNJ serve as content experts and advisors to the fellows. The legislative staff at the NJ State House also serves in a faculty role as they orient the new fellows and provide on-going guidance throughout the program.

As of June 2006 we have graduated 11 health policy fellows.

Education/Curriculum

This program is truly a "hands-on" learning experience. The fellows learn as they serve their legislative health committee and participate in the political, bill-drafting and negotiating processes. Health policy fellows have regular meetings with faculty and legislative staff in order to learn the legislative process and discuss substantive issues and pending bills. The health policy fellow can simultaneously pursue an M.P.H. degree in the UMDNJ - School of Public Health.

Research Activities

The fellows research health issues on a daily basis, as they analyze legislation and work with constituents and stakeholders on crafting sound health policies for the State of NJ .

Clinical Activities

The health policy fellows provide clinical care at one of the department-affiliated sites.

Community Activities

The fellows routinely assist the legislator at community functions and events. They speak at conferences, participate in focus groups and planning meetings, and assist constituents with health care concerns and problems.