Healthcare Policy Fellow

Overview

Recruitment began on January 29, 2026 and the job listing expires on April 4, 2026.

Duration: Two Weeks (June 1, 2025 – June 12, 2025)

The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA ) is excited to offer our Student Leadership Program for the third consecutive year. The transformative fellowship will run for two weeks, from Monday, June 1st, through Friday, June 12th, and aims to equip students from diverse educational backgrounds with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel in healthcare leadership.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in public health, marketing, data analysis, public policy, or healthcare administration.

Fellows will spend two weeks engaging with healthcare leaders and policymakers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex problems facing Virginia’s health professionals and the delivery of healthcare services.

The program activities will cover a wide range of topics and include guest lectures, informative panels, group policy projects, local tours, and social mixers.

This program is a meaningful step toward fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders.

We seek highly motivated and interested students to join our team and enhance their creativity, knowledge, and leadership skills.

This program is on-site in Richmond, Virginia. Housing is provided free of charge, as are several meals and group activities.

Fellows will receive a total stipend of $1,200 to cover any additional expenses.

A core component of the program is the group policy report and presentation. This capstone project will emphasize public health research, data analysis, and policy evaluation. There will be a particular focus on rural and underserved areas, as well as high-need specialties, including primary care, oral health, behavioral health, and maternal health.

Fellows will engage in group work for a considerable amount of the fellowship.

The fellowship will conclude with final presentations to the VHWDA team and invited guests, including healthcare leaders and policymakers.

The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority was established in 2010 by the General Assembly as a public body corporate and a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The VHWDA was created to identify and address health workforce issues in the Commonwealth. Visit our website, VHWDA, to learn more.

If you visit a hospital or urgent care clinic in Virginia, you’ll likely see that the healthcare system is facing a crisis due to a chronic staff shortage. The VHWDA is a tight-knit team working to address this crisis by improving workforce capacity to ensure everyone has access to high-quality healthcare services. We fulfill our mission through research to identify workforce gaps and needs, collaboration with educational institutions to create programs tailored to these needs, and partnerships with various stakeholders to implement solutions that will develop a skilled, robust healthcare workforce.

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Preferably in Health Sciences, Public Health, Political Science, Business, Healthcare Administration, Data Analysis, or a related field.

Fellowship stipend of $1,200 covering two weeks.

Housing is provided at no cost at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Work under the guidance of experienced staff and professionals in the field.

Gain valuable experience in health workforce development and public policy.

Opportunity to network with legislators, healthcare, and public health professionals.

Required materials:

• Resume
• External application
• Contact information

Optional materials:

• Statement of Interest (limited to one page) and/or
• Letter of recommendation (limited to one letter)

Final date to receive applications
:
Friday, April 3, 2026

Contact Lauren Winston lwinston with questions regarding the Summer Leadership Program or the application process.