The application cycle for the 2022-2023 ASH Congressional Fellowship is now open through January 21, 2022.
The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for a hematologist to work in a Congressional office on Capitol Hill for an academic year to help shape health care and hematology policy. It aims to provide education about the policymaking process, including Congress’ relationship to the hematology community, as well as an opportunity to educate Congressional members and staff about hematology.
In his final “Notes From the Hill” column, 2020-2021 ASH Congressional Fellow Jerome Seid, MD, reflected on the year he spent working in the office of Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen:
I want to emphasize the importance and merits of the ASH Congressional Fellowship. To readers who may be considering applying but have questions or reservations about doing so, I can confidently say that there is truly no downside. I have frequently wished I had been aware of this opportunity sooner.
Formal ASH sponsorship of an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship is a relatively recent development, and I haven’t found a limit to the benefits that fellows can accrue, no matter where they are along the practice spectrum from trainee to established practitioner. I encourage ASH members to not be dissuaded from applying to the fellowship because they do not have a platform or specific topic for Congressional action. Yes, there are criteria, but being passionate about patients, committed to the mission and goals of ASH, maintaining an open mind, and being willing to try something outside one’s own comfort zone seem to be the most important qualifications in worthy candidates. Fellows working with Congress can readily achieve their goals of making an impact on heath policy, and achieving personal growth is guaranteed.
Go ahead and apply – you will not be disappointed.
Find more details and apply today at hematology.org/advocacy/congressional-fellowship.
