The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has revealed the names of five outstanding professionals chosen for the 2025–26 class of its prestigious State Health Policy Fellowship (SHPF) program. Over the next year, these fellows will work directly within the legislative and executive offices of Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, contributing to the creation and execution of forward-thinking health policies. This initiative represents a major collaboration between NAM and the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), with the shared goal of deepening states’ capacity to design and implement effective health programs.
NAM President Victor J. Dzau highlighted the importance of this work, noting that state policies play a critical role in shaping the health and well-being of local communities. “These fellows are taking on vital responsibilities at the intersection of health and policy,” Dzau said. “Their leadership and dedication will not only strengthen their host states but also demonstrate how preparing health professionals to engage in policy-making can positively impact millions of lives.”
A Nationwide Collaboration to Strengthen Health Policy
The fellowship will be administered in partnership with several leading academic and health institutions: the University of Colorado’s Eugene S. Farley Jr. Health Policy Center, the University of Pittsburgh Health Policy Institute, the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment at the Medical College of Wisconsin, The University of Texas System, and Emory University in Georgia. Generous support from Arnold Ventures and these partner institutions has made the program possible, ensuring that each fellow benefits from diverse mentorship and practical exposure.
By embedding fellows directly within state government, the SHPF offers policymakers access to professional insights and data-driven health expertise. In turn, the fellows gain first-hand understanding of how state policy and legislative processes operate, acquiring the tools and experience necessary to drive meaningful health policy improvements throughout their careers.
Building on Decades of National Health Policy Experience
The SHPF program expands upon the NAM’s legacy RWJF Health Policy Fellows Program, which has successfully placed health professionals in federal policy positions since 1973. This new state-focused initiative extends that proven model to the local level, acknowledging the growing role of state governments in defining health care delivery, access, and innovation.
Following a comprehensive orientation and training session in Washington, D.C., the fellows will begin their placements in gubernatorial offices, legislative committees, and state health departments. Throughout their fellowship year, they will serve as health policy advisers, contributing to real-time decision-making while also exchanging best practices and lessons learned with one another across state boundaries. This cross-state collaboration aims to cultivate a lasting network of professionals who can continue to support each other and amplify the impact of the program long after the fellowship concludes.
Empowering the Next Generation of Health Policy Leaders
The fellows’ year-long placements are designed not only to benefit state agencies but also to equip participants with the insight and confidence needed to navigate complex policy environments. Through direct engagement with lawmakers and public officials, they will explore strategies to tackle urgent challenges such as rising health care costs, health equity gaps, and the coordination of public health systems.
“This fellowship attracts talented individuals who are eager to bring their expertise into the policy arena,” said Gregg Margolis, Director of the NAM’s Health Policy Fellowships and Leadership Programs. “Their contributions will show how powerful it can be when health experts and policymakers work hand in hand to improve outcomes at the state level.”
Beyond the professional development opportunities, the SHPF program underscores the vital role states play in advancing national health objectives. In many cases, states serve as testing grounds for innovative programs—ranging from Medicaid reforms and behavioral health integration to telehealth expansion and community-based care models. The insights gained by the fellows will help refine these initiatives and share effective policy strategies that could inform broader adoption across the country.
Expanding the Impact of State-Level Health Innovation
As health systems across the United States continue to evolve, states increasingly act as laboratories for progress—crafting legislation and pilot programs that can later shape federal policy. The SHPF program leverages this dynamic, ensuring that evidence-based health expertise informs every stage of policy creation, from initial research to real-world implementation.
By engaging professionals who understand the intersection of health, economics, and governance, NAM aims to strengthen the entire policy ecosystem. Fellows will not only advise on health reform measures but also help bridge communication between clinicians, researchers, and lawmakers—encouraging more data-driven and equitable approaches to public health challenges.
The fellowship also emphasizes long-term leadership development. Upon completion, alumni join a growing network of health professionals who continue to advise and collaborate on policy matters nationwide. This community serves as a valuable platform for ongoing dialogue, research partnerships, and advocacy efforts designed to ensure that the lessons learned at the state level resonate on a national scale.
Looking Toward a Healthier Future
The launch of the 2025–26 SHPF class reflects NAM’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of health policy leaders. By aligning academic expertise with state governance, the program stands as a model for how cross-sector collaboration can create sustainable improvements in public health.
In an era when health care systems face increasing pressures—from demographic changes and workforce shortages to the demands of emerging technologies—programs like SHPF demonstrate how investing in people and policy capacity can deliver measurable benefits for communities.
Ultimately, this initiative reinforces NAM’s mission to advance knowledge, promote health equity, and strengthen leadership at every level of the U.S. health system. Through this fellowship, NAM is not only shaping policies for today but also empowering the leaders who will drive the nation’s health care transformation for years to come.
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