CFF FAQ
CFF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Established in 1996, and supported by The Commonwealth Fund, the Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Policy Leadership at Harvard University (CFF) is a one-year, full-time, academic degree-granting fellowship. This unique fellowship is designed to prepare physicians to become leaders who improve the health for all, with emphasis on disadvantaged, vulnerable, and uninsured populations. Fellows transform health care delivery systems and promote innovation in policies, practices and programs that address health equity and the social determinants of health.
Fellows will complete academic work leading to a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and gain exposure to, and understanding of, health issues affecting vulnerable, disadvantaged and uninsured populations through fellowship activities. The Fellowship also offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at the Harvard Kennedy School to physicians already possessing an MPH. It is expected that the Fellowship will support the development of a cadre of physician leaders in health policy and practice who are well-trained academically and professionally in health policy, health care management, clinical medicine, as well as actively committed to creating high-performance health systems for all and to pursuing careers in public service.
Ordinarily, up to five fellowships will be awarded per year.
Each fellowship provides support including: a $80,000 stipend, full tuition for a master's level degree, health insurance, books, travel and related expenses, and financial assistance toward the support of a practicum project.
The program is a 12- month program beginning July 1, at the start of the summer session of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Physicians who have completed residency in the U.S., either BE/BC. Additional experience beyond residency, such as chief residency, is preferred.
- Experience or interest in advancing systems change to improve the health of all, with emphasis on disadvantaged, vulnerable, and uninsured populations.
- Strong evidence of leadership experience or potential, especially as related to community efforts, quality improvement, transformation of health care delivery systems, and/or health policy.
- Intention to pursue a career in policy, public service, and/or academia.
- U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency.
Applicants are required to complete applications to both The Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Policy Leadership at Harvard University and the MPH program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Fellowship participation is contingent upon acceptance to both, although applicants not accepted to the Fellowship will still be eligible for admission to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Questions about the Fellowship can be addressed to:
Program Coordinator
The Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in
Health Policy Leadership at Harvard University
164 Longwood Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02115-5818
Phone: 617-432-2922
E-mail: cff_occe@hms.harvard.edu
The fellowships are intended for full-time study, and extensions to complete degrees and the Fellowship on a part-time basis are not typically granted.
Applicants with prior MPH degrees are not eligible to apply to the Fellowship to receive another MPH degree. However, applicants with prior MPH degrees are eligible to apply for the Fellowship to receive a Mid-Career MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. Applicants are required to complete applications to both The Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Policy Leadership at Harvard University and the Mid-Career MPA program for the Harvard Kennedy School. Fellowship participation is contingent upon acceptance to both, although applicants not accepted to the Fellowship will still be eligible for admission to the Harvard Kennedy School.
This qualification refers to physicians who are either board eligible (BE) or board certified (BC).