Application Deadline: 5:00 pm, October 21, 2009
Objective
The NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund as part of its Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative has partnered with the Duke Global Health Institute to create the NC Health Disparities Fellowship Program, a new effort designed to engage talented public health and social work professionals in ongoing efforts to decrease health disparities in North Carolina; to increase their knowledge about health disparities in North Carolina; to develop the problem-solving skills required to design and implement community-based interventions and/or conduct related evaluations that address health disparities in their community
To learn more about the Fellowship please read the eligibility criteria and program description below. To apply please click on the Fellowship Application link to access the online application.
Education/Experience Requirements
Individuals with a bachelors’ degree and a minimum of 4-5 years of health disparities related work experience OR a masters degree or higher and 1-2 years work experience in the field of health disparities. We anticipate most fellows will be working in community-based health organizations, faith-based organizations, American Indian tribes or local governments implementing health programs. Successful applicants must show a commitment and passion for alleviating health disparities in North Carolina.
Selection Process
Applicants must: 1) submit a current Curriculum Vita; 2) complete, in full, the electronic application form and thoroughly answer all questions; 3) submit two letters of recommendation; and 4) submit a letter of support from his/her current employer.
Preference will be given to individuals who:
- Work with populations affected by health disparities
- Represent ethnic and racial minority populations
- Identify projects that will address a health disparity identified by their community
Geographic diversity will also be considered in the selection process.
Duration
This fellowship is a two year program. Up to six fellows will be selected.
Curriculum
Faculty at Duke University, NC Central University and East Carolina University will work in partnership to develop and present the fellowship curriculum.
- The fellowship program will offer each fellow a structurally tailored experience with a focus on solving actual problems within communities. To ensure this occurs, all fellows will be mentored throughout the fellowship by a Duke Faculty member. Among other tasks, mentors will work closely with fellows in the development, implementation and documentation of their projects.
- Fellows will spend 20 days during the first year of the fellowship taking a set of required course modules related to topics in health disparities. The content of the modules will include:
- an overview of the major health disparities in North Carolina
- approaches to project design and evaluation
- applied research methods related to the delivery of priority health programs
- data management, collection and analysis
Fellows may have the opportunity to audit one or more health policy or global health courses at Duke and to participate in all activities of the Duke Global Health Institute. Field trips, group dinners, and assignments will be organized for each segment of the curriculum.
- Between coursework, Fellows will be expected to continue interactions using web-based communication tools such as Blackboard.
- Fellows will be required to implement and complete a health disparities project during Year 2 of the fellowship. This project will be designed during Year 1 of the fellowship, and have a measurable outcome that can be incorporated into their daily work. This project and any results obtained will be presented at the annual grantee meeting of the NC Health and Wellness Commission. At the end of the fellowship the Fellows will present the final results of their projects at a conference attended by all Duke Faculty mentors, the Project Steering Committee, members of the Commission and project staff.
Fellows will have access to Duke facilities and libraries and receive administrative support from DGHI.
Compensation
Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend at the completion of Year 1 and a $1,000 stipend at the completion of Year 2. Actual travel expenses (mileage, accommodations and food) will be reimbursed. Additionally, each fellow will receive a $1,500 research stipend to cover project related expenses.
Program Evaluation
An evaluation will be conducted 18-months into the program to assess the program’s value to the fellow. An important success metric will be the outcome of the fellowship projects, including whether their “products” can be replicated and/or used in the field.
If you have any questions please contact:
Quinn Williams, Program Coordinator
Duke Global Health Institute
quinn.williams@duke.edu
(919) 681-5908
OR
Barbara Roole, Health Disparities Program Officer
NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund
barbara.roole@healthwellnc.com
(919) 981-5053