The AMA-SHLI 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.
Join the fourth cohort of physicians committed to optimal health outcomes.
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 will involve 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
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.
Cohort 4 runs from September 2026 – November 2027.
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: In-person experiences are subject to change depending on extraneous factors impacting travel and large 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.
Note: On months when there are in-person convenings, fellows will not meet virtually for that month.
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 designates this live activity for a maximum of up to 13.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit (s) ™**. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent to their participation in the activity.
**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.
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 March 16, 2026. To be considered, all required documents must be submitted and received by the indicated deadline.
*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 Time.
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.
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.
Learn more about the ten outstanding physician leaders of the third cohort of the AMA-SHLI Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship.
For additional information regarding the fellowship, please contact shlifellowship@msm.edu
