Wisconsin Population Health Service Fellowship Program 2027 to 2029

Applications are open for the Wisconsin Population Health Service Fellowship Program 2027 to 2029, a two year service and professional training programme for early career public health professionals. Housed within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health's Population Health Institute, the programme prepares fellows to address complex public health challenges through practical experience, collaborative leadership, and community focused work.

The fellowship places selected candidates with public health agencies, government departments, nonprofit organizations, community based organizations, and health service providers across Wisconsin. Fellows work on real public health priorities while developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to become effective public health leaders.

The programme offers an annual salary of US$58,000, alongside employee benefits and professional development funding. The appointment for the 2027 to 2029 cohort runs from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2029.

About the Fellowship

The Wisconsin Population Health Service Fellowship is designed to strengthen the public health workforce by combining practical service with structured professional development. Rather than focusing exclusively on classroom learning, the programme places fellows within organizations where they can contribute to ongoing public health initiatives and learn directly from experienced practitioners.

The fellowship is built around systems thinking, collaborative leadership, and strengthening public health practice. Fellows gain experience understanding how health outcomes are shaped by social, economic, environmental, and institutional factors. They also learn how different organizations can work together to address population health needs.

The programme is administered by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, but fellows work at placement organizations throughout the state. These placements have included local and tribal health departments, state government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community based institutions.

Each fellow receives guidance from a preceptor or supervisory team. Placement matching considers the fellow's professional development goals and the needs of participating organizations. Depending on the placement, fellows may work across two organizations to connect different parts of the public health system.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows receive:

• Annual salary of US$58,000.

• A two year paid professional appointment.

• Health insurance and access to applicable employee benefits.

• Dental and vision insurance options.

• Life insurance and spending account options.

• Retirement benefits under applicable university arrangements.

• 176 hours of vacation leave per year.

• 96 hours of sick leave per year.

• Eight hours of paid leave for observed legal holidays.

• US$1,800 per year in professional development funds.

• Practical experience in community, governmental, and public health service settings.

• Mentorship and supervision from experienced public health professionals.

• Opportunities to develop collaborative leadership and systems thinking skills.

• Experience working on public health initiatives that affect communities across Wisconsin.

Benefits are subject to the university's applicable employment and appointment policies.

Fellowship Activities and Training

Fellows participate in practical public health work while developing their professional capabilities. Their day to day responsibilities depend on their placement organization, the projects available, and their learning goals.

Potential areas of work include:

• Supporting local and state public health initiatives.

• Contributing to community health assessments and programme planning.

• Helping organizations address health disparities and inequities.

• Working with community partners to improve population health outcomes.

• Supporting public health policy development and implementation.

• Strengthening collaboration between government agencies and community organizations.

• Applying systems thinking to complex public health challenges.

• Developing leadership, communication, project management, and partnership building skills.

• Participating in structured learning activities and professional development.

The programme welcomes applicants who are open to different public health settings. Candidates do not need to identify a specific placement organization before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a master's or doctoral degree in public health or an allied discipline before the fellowship appointment begins on 1 July 2027.

• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Be prepared to complete the full two year appointment from July 2027 through June 2029.

• Demonstrate an interest in public health practice, population health, community engagement, and health equity.

• Show evidence of relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experience.

• Demonstrate a commitment to learning, collaborative leadership, and addressing public health challenges.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare the following materials:

• A CV or resume of no more than three pages.

• Transcripts from graduate programmes. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.

• A Statement of Interest of no more than 750 words.

• A health equity essay of no more than 250 words.

• Responses about preferred placement settings, geographic considerations, and public health interests.

• Names and email addresses for two recommendation letter writers.

The Statement of Interest should explain the applicant's academic, professional, and volunteer experiences, what they hope to accomplish during the two year fellowship, how the programme relates to their career goals, and why they want to work as a public health professional in Wisconsin.

The second essay asks applicants to identify a broader issue or policy affecting health outcomes where change is needed to advance health equity. Candidates should discuss the role they hope to play as public health leaders in addressing that issue.

Recommendation letters are submitted directly by the writers through a separate online form. Applicants should contact their referees early and ensure that both letters are submitted by the application deadline.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Wisconsin Population Health Service Fellowship Program.

1. Review the official programme information. Read the fellowship description, appointment details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions on the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute website.
2. Confirm your eligibility. Make sure your graduate degree will be completed before 1 July 2027 and that you are legally authorized to work in the United States without fellowship visa sponsorship.
3. Update your CV or resume. Prepare a concise document of no more than three pages highlighting relevant education, employment, volunteering, leadership, and public health experience.
4. Prepare both essays. Write the Statement of Interest within the 750 word limit and the health equity essay within the 250 word limit. Address the questions specified in the official application.
5. Consider your placement preferences. Think about whether you would be comfortable working in urban, rural, or regional settings and which public health topics interest you. Applicants are encouraged to remain open to a range of placements.
6. Arrange two recommendation letters. Enter the names and email addresses of two letter writers in your application. Share the separate recommendation form with them and request submission before the deadline.
7. Complete the online application. Submit the application and required materials through the official online application portal linked from the programme website.
8. Submit by 10 January 2027. Confirm that your application is complete and that both recommendation letters have been submitted by the closing date.