Program purpose
The Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is a collaborative educational initiative to empower physician-led advocacy that advances optimal health for all people and communities.
The fellowship, created by the American Medical Association (AMA), in collaboration with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), mobilizes physicians to be part of the next generation of advocacy leaders, driving meaningful policy changes that produce optimal health outcomes in the communities they serve.
About the fellowship
The AMA-SHLI Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is a unique, first of its kind post-doctoral fellowship designed to enhance physicians’ advocacy leadership skills to improve health outcomes in the areas they serve or may serve.
Using a unique learning framework, the fellowship will provide a mentoring and training platform that will equip participants with the foundational skills, tools and knowledge to engage in health advocacy. This involves exploring several critical topic areas, including:
- Upstream (action-based) models of advocacy that address social drivers of health
- Cultural and historical analysis of the production of health outcomes
- Sector and resource engagement required to improve community health and well-being
Program eligibility
The fellowship is open to all physicians and residents who have a demonstrated interest in optimal health outcomes and health advocacy.
Note: Internships and graduate assistantships will not count towards the professional experience requirement.
Fellowship dates
The fourth cohort runs from Sept. 2026–Nov. 2027.
Fellowship requirements
Fellows participate in a three (3)-day, in-person learning intensive at the beginning of the fellowship and subsequently engage in monthly learning sessions with a multidisciplinary, multisectoral group of nationally-renowned experts, scholars, researchers and current and former policymakers across all levels of government.
Monthly sessions will be held virtually with three (3) in-person learning experiences scheduled during the fellowship.
Note: This is subject to change depending on extraneous factors impacting travel and large group in-person gatherings.
Taking a sabbatical is not required during the fellowship. AMA membership is encouraged but not required for the fellowship. AMA membership is not a factor in application review or acceptance to the fellowship.
Required convenings, meetings and time commitment
Virtual instructional webinars/meetings
- Frequency: Every third Friday of the month from noon–2 p.m., Eastern
- Monthly convening from Oct. 2026–Aug. 2027
Note: On months when there are in-person convenings, fellows will not meet virtually for that month.
Full day, in-person commitments
- Fall 2026: Inaugural convening for fellows/three-day fellowship intensive (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Feb. 2027: Convening fellows for AMA National Advocacy Conference (Washington, D.C.)
- June 11–15, 2027: Convening fellows for the AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting (Chicago, Illinois)
- Nov. 12–15, 2027: Convening fellows for the AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting, capstone project presentations and graduation for fellows (Chula Vista, California)
Monthly capstone project and learning session preparation effort
- Approximately 3 to 6 hours monthly doing preparation work for class preparation (i.e. readings, group work, etc.) and project development & implementation all done on your own time.
- Monthly office hours offered for capstone project support and general communications support.
Stipend and CME credit
Fellows will receive a stipend of $15,000* for their participation in the program and would be eligible for CME** credit hours.
*Note: Receipt of full stipend is contingent upon program participation and completion.
**The Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Total credit amount contingent upon review.
Program benefits
- Engagement with like-minded professionals to generate and exchange solutions towards a more equitable and healthier communities.
- Connection with experts and leaders for learning and mentorship opportunities.
- Flexible, blended learning solutions that may be incorporated into the clinical schedule.
- Knowledge and skill development to establish better trust among patients and serve as patient advocates.
- Partnership with AMA and SHLI on their respective commitments to address health inequities.
Application process
If you seek to advance health advocacy in your community, apply for the fellowship. The fellowship is an open competition. The application process is currently open and closes on March 16, 2026. To be considered, all required documents must be submitted by the deadline.
Application package
An application package includes:
- An online application with professional profile, candidate interest short-essay and demographic profile questions
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Three (3) recommendation forms* from professional leaders, community-based leaders and organizers and others with demonstrated knowledge/experience of the applicant’s efforts towards advancing optimal health outcomes
*Note: After the applicant’s application and references are received, AMA-SHLI will send a recommendation form via e-mail to the references listed. All forms must be completed by the recommender for the application to be complete. Recommendations are due April 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Application essay questions
There are four (4) essay sections as part of this application. The questions are noted here for reference, should the applicant prefer to work on this prior to the final application submission.
- Describe (in detail) the community in which your primary practice is located and tell us about the patient population that you serve. [150-250 words]
- Provide one detailed example of how your previous training experience has affected your current practice. [250 words]
- Describe one specific way that you feel your participation in this fellowship could have an impact on your ability to serve the community(ies) in which you work. [250 words]
- How has your experience influenced your practice of medicine and decision to practice medicine? [250 words]
Full application packets are due by Friday, March 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Recommendation forms are due by April 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
A committee of leaders from AMA and SHLI will review the application packets and select the finalists. Finalists will then be invited for a virtual interview with AMA and SHLI leaders and key partners.
View the 2024-2025 cohort
Learn more about the ten outstanding physician leaders of the third cohort of the AMA-SHLI Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship.
Contact
For additional information regarding the fellowship, please contact [email protected].
