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Workforce Investment in the Future

CE Credit Available

PWH2 - Three Decades of Impact: Cultivating Health Policy Leaders through the Commonwealth Fund Fellowship

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Location: Annapolis (Ballroom Level)
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: N/A
CPE: 0
CME: 0
CEU: 1
ACHE: 1
Session Description: Persistent health challenges in the U.S. are fueled in part by the underrepresentation of physicians, dentists, and public health professionals from historically underserved and under-resourced communities in leadership roles. Addressing these challenges requires intentional investment in leadership development that equips health professionals with the skills, networks, and policy knowledge to drive systemic change.

This session will explore the design, outcomes, and broader impact of the Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Policy Leadership at Harvard University (CFF). Since 1996, CFF has provided a transformative one-year experience for physicians committed to advancing health fairness. Through rigorous academic training, hands-on policy practicums, mentorship, and exposure to national and local policy environments, the fellowship prepares participants to lead in health policy, public health, and academic medicine.

To date, more than 170 fellows—including participants in affiliated programs such as the California Endowment Scholars Program and the Joseph L. Henry Oral Health Fellowship—have gone on to shape policy, lead institutions, and improve care for underserved populations. Attendees will hear from alumni and program leaders about the fellowship’s structure, its impact on their leadership journeys, and lessons for replicating similar models in other settings.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze how under-representation in leadership contributes to persistent health challenges.
  • Understand the value of advanced training in health policy and leadership for systemic change.
  • Explore how leadership development programs can strengthen fairness-focused health care capacity