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Health Policy Fellowship

Health Policy Fellowship

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Deadline: July 11, 2025

Become a Leader in Transplant Health Policy

Advance your career and help shape the future of transplantation through the 2025–2027 ASTS Health Policy Fellowship.

This two-year program will give you the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to become an influential voice in health policy. 

You'll support the ASTS Legislative & Regulatory Committee in building a diverse brain trust that addresses critical knowledge gaps in transplant research and policy. A result of the two-year program will be the development and implementation of an organ non-use study, aimed at driving evidence-based improvements in transplantation practice. Read the full curriculum here.

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If you're ready to make a meaningful impact beyond the operating room, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to lead.

Please contact Emily Besser, MA, CAE, Associate Director, Advocacy & Professional Practices, at Emily.Besser@asts.org.

Program Goals

  • Build policy expertise by gaining the skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively advocate for critical issues impacting the field of transplantation.
  • Foster meaningful connections with a diverse network of thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the transplant community.
  • Lead impactful research by designing and implementing an organ non-use study under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

Benefits & Opportunities

  • Develop essential skills in health policy writing, research, and advocacy.

  • Conduct impactful research on organ non-use in collaboration with a mentor from the ASTS Executive Committee.

  • Gain leadership experience by serving as a non-voting liaison to the ASTS Legislative & Regulatory Committee throughout the two-year fellowship.

  • Expand your professional network through direct engagement with ASTS leadership, policymakers, and fellow transplant professionals.

Who Should Apply?

The Health Policy Fellowship is designed for transplant professionals who are ready to expand their impact beyond the clinical setting.

You may be a strong candidate if you are:

  • A transplant surgeon and an ASTS member.

  • 2–8 years out of fellowship or at the midpoint of your career.

While prior experience in health policy or advocacy is encouraged, it is not required.

Timeline & Important Dates

  • Program duration: Two years (2025-2027)
  • Applications open: June 16, 2025
  • Application deadline: July 11, 2025
  • Selection notification: August 2025

How to Apply

Click here to start your application!

To be considered for the ASTS Health Policy Fellowship, please complete your application by July 11, 2025.

Your application must include:

  • Current CV (PDF format)

  • Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) outlining your interest in the program and advocacy and how this will advance your career and the Society

  • Letter of recommendation from your Department Chair noting that you will have academic time to commit to pursuing a mentored transplant related health policy research project and also have protected time over 2 years to complete the didactic and experiential components of the program

Incomplete applications will not be considered. We encourage you to submit early and contact Emily Besser with any questions.