eAlert Mon, 06/18/2007 - 12:00 e6bb86e1-8852-4b29-a11d-250cc44a5440

<p><div align="center"><h3>2008-09 Packer Policy Fellowships</h3><br><strong>An Australian-American Health Policy Fellowship Program</strong></div><br><br>On behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, The Commonwealth Fund is pleased to announce the 2008-09 <a href="/fellowships/fellowships_list.htm?attrib_id=9158">Packer Policy Fellowship,</a> an Australian-American health policy fellowship program.<br><br><strong>The deadline for receipt of applications for the 2008-09 fellowships is August 15, 2007.</strong><br><br>The Packer Policy Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for outstanding, mid-career U.S. professionals--academics, physicians, decision-makers in managed care and other private health care organizations, federal and state health officials, and journalists--to spend up to 10 months in Australia conducting research and working with leading Australian health policy experts on issues relevant to both countries. In addition to undertaking original policy research, fellows will participate in seminars and policy briefings, which include meetings with senior officials at the commonwealth and state levels, ministerial officers, service providers, academics, and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors. At the end of their tenure, fellows produce a report and present project findings to senior government officials and policy experts at a final reporting seminar.<br><br>Australia, like the U.S. and other similar developed countries, faces health policy challenges in relation to demographic change, affordability, safety and quality in health care, adoption of new treatment technologies, workforce issues and meeting the needs of special populations. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing hopes to enrich health policy thinking as Packer Policy Fellows study how Australia approaches health policy issues, share lessons learned from the United States, and develop an international perspective and network of contacts to facilitate policy exchange and collaboration that extends beyond the fellowship experience.<br><br>To apply, applicants must submit a formal application, including a project proposal that falls within an area of mutual policy interest to Australia and the United States, such as: health care quality and safety, the private/public mix of insurance and providers, the fiscal sustainability of health systems, management of health care delivery, the health care workforce, and investment in preventive care strategies. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for eligibility.<br><br>The Fellowships provide up to $55,000 (AUD) for six to 10 months in Australia. In addition, a supplemental allowance is provided to fellows accompanied by a spouse and/or children.<br><br>For further information on the 2008-09 Packer Policy Fellowships and to obtain an application, please see <a href="/fellowships/">www.commonwealthfund.org/fellowships/</a&gt;. For questions, contact Robin Osborn, The Commonwealth Fund, 212-606-3809 or <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p&gt;

http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/newsletters/ealerts/2007/jun/packer-policy-fellowship-applications-reminder