Answers to general questions about eligibility, application process, review and selection process, and other topics can be found at the FAQ site of the National Program Office.

1. What is the difference between the Scholars in Health Policy Research program and the Health and Society Scholars Program?

The Scholars in Health Policy Research program is for individuals with PhDs in Economics, Political Science, or Sociology, although exceptions may be made for individuals with degrees in related fields who can demonstrate proficiency in one of the three disciplines. The goal of the program is to encourage academic health policy research in these three social science disciplines. The Health and Society Scholars Program is open to individuals from all fields, and is focused on interdisciplinary research related to population health and health disparities. Many applicants trained in Economics, Political Science, or Sociology could fit well into either program. We encourage such applicants to contact the Scholars in Health Policy Research National Program Office for further information.

2. May candidates apply to both the Scholars in Health Policy Research program and the Health and Society Scholars Program?

Yes, people may apply to both programs. However, after review by both programs’ National Advisory Committees and by program sites, candidates will be allowed to interview for only one program. The decision about which program will be jointly determined by the applicant, Foundation representatives and program site directors.

3. May I apply to the site where I received my PhD?

Yes, but it is not recommended. In general, applicants will not be accepted into the Scholars in Health Policy Research Program at the site where they did their PhD training, or where they are currently on faculty.

4. May I apply if I already have a faculty job?

Yes. Individuals who have completed their PhD within the 5 years before starting the program are eligible. For example, individuals starting in the fall of 2004 must have received their PhD no earlier than Fall, 1999. 

5. Is experience in health policy research required?

No. This program seeks to involve the “best and brightest” early-career economists, political scientists, and sociologists in health policy research, including those who have not conducted any health-related research in the past. Training regarding health and health care is provided as part of the curriculum at the program sites. In fact, preference is given to those applicants who have not previously worked in health or health policy research.

6. Are Scholars required to reside at the sites for the full two years?

Generally yes. We believe residency is critical to fostering a sense of community and to facilitating interdisciplinary research. In some cases, a Scholar’s research requires field work and thus some time is needed off site. Such details are worked out with the site directors. In other cases, some Scholars have arranged with future employers to start after 18 months in the program (typically the second semester of the second year). Such arrangements are negotiated (in writing) with the National Program Office, the program site, and the prospective employer.

7. How does the process of review of the applications work?

Applications are made to the National Program Office at Boston University. The deadline for applications is typically in the later half of October (the exact date, and application materials can be found at the national program office website: http://www.healthpolicyscholars.org). Applications are reviewed by National Program Office staff, a National Advisory Committee and program sites. Approximately 16 applicants are selected to interview at each site (with some applicants interviewing at multiple sites). Interviews take place mid—to late—January, with candidates notified of selection decisions by mid February. Scholars enter into the program in August.

8. Do the Scholars in Health Policy Research interact with Scholars from other Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Programs (the Clinical Scholars Programs and the Health and Society Scholars Program)?

At the University of Michigan, we are very proud to be the only site in the country to offer all three Robert Wood Johnson Scholar fellowship programs. There are a variety of ways in which we foster connections between the programs. For example Paula Lantz, co-director of the Scholars in Health Policy Research program sits on the advisory committees for both of the other programs. In addition, other faculty, including James House of the Health and Society Scholars Program and Rodney Hayward of the Clinical Scholars Program, have been a long-time members of the Steering Committee for the Scholars in Health Policy Research program. Scholars also participate in the other programs’ seminar series, and enjoy various joint social functions throughout the year.