FAQ
How are fellows selected?
Fellows are selected from a wide variety of backgrounds including computer science, technology, art, design and health. Using essays, letters of recommendation and interviews, fellows are selected based on aptitude, creativity, passion, team-work, leadership, interpersonal skills and integrity.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Applications from current seniors are welcome, but all fellows are required to have graduated by July 2013.
I graduated college two years ago – can I still apply?
Yes. You are eligible provided you completed your degree after May 2010.
I have finished my undergraduate degree and am in medical school/engineering school/design school/public health school can I still apply?
Yes. We welcome applications from a wide variety of fellows and you are welcome to apply provided you completed your undergraduate degree after May 2010.
Why do you require an undergraduate degree?
Since the fellowship focuses on creating innovative health solutions, it is important that fellows have a certain level of maturity and depth. An undergraduate degree helps ensure fellows meet the criteria for aptitude and integrity.
I am a permanent resident, but not a citizen can I apply?
No. The fellowship is restricted to US citizens only.
If not accepted, can fellows apply again?
You may apply one time per application round. If you are not selected for a particular program, you are welcome to apply for other programs, provided you meet the requirements.
Can fellows leave to work? What if they're offered employment?
Health for America programs are a full time commitment. All fellows must forgo all other employment during this time.
How is Health for America different from other programs?
After a careful review of existing programs Health for America has taken a pioneering approach. Through a unique entrepreneurial framework that combines the expertise of medical providers and the knowledge of community leaders, Health for America enables fellows to build innovative, community-based solutions to major health problems.
What is the state of America’s health?
The United States leads the world in fields like technology and business but consistently ranks behind other countries in health outcomes in spite of the highest per capita expenditure on health in the world. To make matters more complicated, there are huge health disparities within the country by race, income-level and state. As a result, there are vulnerable populations that have even worse outcomes than national statistics would suggest. Health for America will bring much needed resources to these communities.
Isn’t America a leader in health innovation?
While American innovation has created remarkable health therapies, this has not always resulted in better outcomes. In our current hospital based fee-for service health system, the incentives are misaligned resulting in technologies with higher costs and an uncertain impact on outcomes. Using metrics that are based on meaningful health outcomes, Health for America will channel America’s tremendous capacity for innovation to create impactful solutions.
Why focus on community health?
A review of 84 evidence based studies by The Trust for America’s health found that community-based programs improve health in a cost effective manner. Using this approach to target chronic disease could result in $306 billion in health care savings over 10 years in the United States based on a report by the Commonwealth Commission. Advances in information technology provide a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of high impact community-based solutions.
How is health for America affected by health reform?
Health for America is a non-partisan not for profit organization without political affiliation. While the organization is not directly affected by the Affordable Care Act, health reforms highlight the increasing recognition that patient-centered, community based models are needed to provide effective health care solutions. Health for America will lead the way in brining innovation into this space.