The Commonwealth Fund invites promising mid-career professionals—government policymakers, academic researchers, clinical leaders, hospital and insurance managers, and journalists—from the Netherlands and Germany to apply for a unique opportunity to spend up to 12 months in the United States as a Harkness Fellow in Health Care Policy and Practice. Established by The Commonwealth Fund in 1925, the Harkness Fellowships were modeled after the Rhodes Scholarships and aim to produce the next generation of health policy leaders in participating countries.

Fellows are placed with mentors who are leading U.S. experts at organizations such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Kaiser Permanente, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to study issues relevant to the Fund’s mission to support a high performing health care system ─ insurance coverage, access, and affordability; health care delivery system reforms (e.g. bundled payments, accountable care organizations, innovative approaches to care for high need/high cost patients, better models of primary care for vulnerable populations); cost containment; and other critical issues on the health policy agenda in both the U.S. and their home countries. A rich program of seminars organized by the Fund throughout the year further enhances the fellowship experience. Products of the fellowship may include a peer-reviewed journal article or policy report for Health Ministers and other high-level policy audiences, as well as Issue Briefs, Op-Eds, and Blogs. Other products, more relevant to frontline delivery system innovation, are also encouraged.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in health policy issues and submit a formal application that includes a research proposal which falls within the scope of The Commonwealth Fund's goals to promote a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable.

Harkness Fellowships are designed for mid-career professionals who are committed to advancing health policy and practice in The Commonwealth Fund's principal areas of interest. There is no age limit for Harkness applicants. However, the fellowship is designed for professionals who are at a stage in their career where the Fellowship will have a significant impact on their career trajectory and can use their Fellowship experience to influence policy and practice in their home countries.

All applicants must:

• Thee citizens of the Netherlands or Germany. Applicants who are not citizens of the country from which they are applying must have permanent residency and have lived in that country for at least the last three years. Such applicants must also be committed to pursuing careers in the country from which they are selected.
• Show significant promise as a policy-oriented health services researcher or practitioner (clinician, health services manager, government official, or journalist);
• Have a demonstrated expertise in health policy issues and a track record of informing health policy through research, policy analysis, health services, or clinical leadership;
• Have a master's degree or doctorate (or the equivalent thereof) in health care services, health policy research, or a related discipline, such as economics or political science (consideration may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree only, depending on work experience); and
• If academically based, be at a mid-career level (e.g., research fellow to senior lecturer).

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

Each fellowship provides up to U.S. $130,000 in support, which covers roundtrip airfare to the U.S., living allowance, project-related travel, travel to fellowship seminars, health insurance, and U.S. federal and state taxes. A family supplement (i.e. $60,000 for partner and two children up to age 18) is also provided to cover airfare, living allowance, and health insurance. The 2020–21 Harkness Fellows in Health Care Policy and Practice will arrive in the United States from August to September 2020. Fellows are strongly encouraged to spend 12 months in the United States in order to have enough time to complete their projects and take full advantage of all the opportunities that are available. A minimum of 10 months tenure in the United States is required.

The Commonwealth Fund