Program Overview
The Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is a collaborative educational initiative between the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine. This unique, first-of-its-kind post-doctoral fellowship empowers physician-led advocacy that advances equity and removes barriers to optimal health for marginalized people and communities.
Started in 2021, the fellowship mobilizes physicians to be part of the next generation of advocacy leaders, driving meaningful policy and structural changes that produce equity and justice in the communities they serve.
Training Objectives
Using an anti-racist, equity-centered learning framework, the fellowship provides a mentoring and training platform that equips participants with foundational skills, tools, and knowledge to engage in institutional and political health advocacy. Key focus areas include:
- Upstream (action-based) models of advocacy that address social and structural drivers of health
- Structural, cultural, political, and historical analysis of the production of inequities
- Sector and resource engagement required to improve community health and well-being
Program Eligibility & Structure
Targeted Learners:
- All physicians and resident physicians (MD, DO) with demonstrated interest in health equity and health advocacy
- Healthcare professionals at all career stages
Fellowship Duration: September 2024 – November 2025
Program Benefits:
- $15,000 stipend for program completion
- Up to 13.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits
- Mentorship opportunities with health equity experts and leaders
- Flexible, blended learning solutions compatible with clinical schedules
- Network of like-minded professionals focused on health equity solutions
Time Commitment & Requirements
Monthly Virtual Sessions:
- Every third Friday, 12:00-2:00 PM Eastern (October 2024 – August 2025)
Required In-Person Convenings:
- September 2024: Three-day Fellowship Intensive (Atlanta, Georgia)
- February 2025: AMA National Advocacy Conference (Washington, D.C.)
- June 7-11, 2025: AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting (Chicago)
- November 15-18, 2025: AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting (National Harbor, Maryland)
Additional Commitment:
- 3-6 hours monthly for preparation work, readings, and health equity project development
2024-2025 Cohort Highlights
Congratulations to the 10 outstanding physician leaders selected as the third cohort of AMA-SHLI Medical Justice in Advocacy fellows.
Recent Activity Updates
Friday, April 25, 2025: "Being a Medical Justice Advocate: The Art of Storytelling"
Upcoming Initiatives:
- Strategic planning for the 2025 AMA Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates (June 4-9, 2025; Chicago, IL)
- Community engagement visit with Westside United
- Active participation in state delegation and AMA section meetings
Health Equity Project Development Focus Areas:
- Diversity in Medicine and Education of Underrepresented in Medicine (URM) Students
- Maternal Health Equity
- Healthcare for Persons Experiencing Homelessness and Addiction
- Psychiatric Care in the Carceral System
- Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Academic Medicine
- Medication Accessibility and Affordability
- Expanding Access to Subspecialty Care
Contact Information:For additional information regarding the fellowship, please contact shlifellowship@msm.edu
