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Improving the capacity of the health care system to address the health needs of minority and disadvantaged populations is the goal of the Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship Program in Minority Health Policy. Established in 1996, the program offers a one-year, full-time program of study to future physician-leaders who intend to pursue careers in minority health and health policy. The program is directed by Joan Reede, M.D., dean for diversity and community partnership at Harvard Medical School. The fellowship combines an intensive year of training in health policy, public health, and management with special program activities focused on minority health issues. Participants in the program complete academic work for a master's degree in public health or public administration.
Since completing their fellowship, the 35 alumni physician fellows have become actively engaged in health policy, research, and service delivery to minority communities. Most fellows hold appointments at schools of public health or medicine, and many have assumed leadership roles in government agencies and health care delivery systems. Alumni fellows also serve on numerous local and national advisory committees related to minority health.
The program continues to develop future opportunities for fellows. For example, this year the program established connections with state and local health departments and sought post-fellowship support from several organizations. The program also created a national advisory committee that seeks to mentor fellows and to help identify employment opportunities.
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