Uncovering Pathways to Better Health Fellowship

Empowering journalists to drive change

The United States invests more in health research than any other country, yet it continues to experience poor health outcomes compared to other affluent nations. The Uncovering Pathways to Better Health Fellowship aims to bridge this gap by fostering reporting that highlights research and innovation in prevention and care delivery. The fellowship will support journalists in identifying and reporting on research questions, overlooked opportunities and innovative models that could transform health.

This fellowship, funded by the Doris Duke Foundation, will serve as an integral piece of a national conversation about strengthening pathways for health research. In 2025, a series of nationwide discussions will be hosted, focusing on policy shifts, cross-sector investment and reimagined funding models to improve prevention and clinical care. These conversations will inform a roadmap for action, and the fellowship will empower journalists to translate these critical discussions into impactful stories.

Expectations

Candidates must be working journalists who qualify for AHCJ professional membership and have at least five years of experience in health reporting. We value and celebrate diversity and the building of a more inclusive journalism landscape and encourage journalists of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

What’s covered

The fellowship provides:

• $5,000 fellowship award per fellow
• Registration to Health Journalism 2025 in Los Angeles, May 29-June, including travel and lodging
• Opportunity to attend up to two health symposia* between May and July 2025
• Participation in two exclusive AHCJ workshops about medical research
• Opportunity to participate in the planning/facilitation of the 2025 AHCJ Fall Summit based on learnings from the Uncovering Pathways to Better Health Fellowship
• Professional development with a focus on identifying and reporting on research that supports health innovation for improving prevention and care delivery efforts

*Not all listed symposia will be open to journalists or available due to timing restrictions.

Application checklist

• Apply early! Applications for the Uncovering Pathways to Better Health Fellowship are accepted on a rolling basis, with a deadline of April 24, 2025. Once reviewed, slots will be filled — so early applications are strongly encouraged for the best chance of being selected. 
• Complete the application form, which will include:
  • A cover letter telling us about yourself and what you hope to learn from this fellowship. This letter should offer a snapshot of your interest in medical research, explain why you are applying for the fellowship, and what you could learn from attending the symposia.
  • A current resume.
  • Your best work sample published or aired during the past 12 months.

Applications are currently closed.

Questions? Contact Andrea Waner, andrea@healthjournalism.org.