Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of projects do fellows work on?

Project types are varied and depend on the Fellow's interests, the strategic priorities of the hospital, and what initiatives are upcoming or underway. Projects provide exposure to many departments within the hospital, giving the Fellow a very comprehensive view of the overall enterprise and may take several forms, including:

  • Clinical operations
  • Process improvement
  • Project and change management initiatives
  • Analytics
  • Strategic planning
  • Financial analysis
  • Program and/or business development
  • Quality and safety
  • Network development
  • Community engagement
  • Telehealth and digital innovation
  • Community engagement
  • Emergency management and emergency response operations
  • Access and capacity management

For more information and project examples, consult the Fellowship Experience page.

What qualifications are required for the Fellowship?

Candidates for the Deland Fellowship come from a variety of careers and educational backgrounds, including medicine, business, law, public policy, and public health. An advanced degree from a U.S. accredited institution is required for consideration.

The Deland Fellowship is a distinctive and unique learning opportunity which requires Fellows to display self-motivation, critical thinking, and leadership and to take initiative to address complex challenges at all levels of the organization. 2 years of relevant professional work experience is required, and 3 years of relevant professional work experience in a healthcare or business environment is strongly preferred.

Please note that applicants must have a graduate degree as well as a valid work authorization for employment in the United States (the Deland Fellowship does not sponsor visas).

What sort of compensation do fellows receive?

Fellows receive an annual stipend that is competitive relative to other administrative fellowships and similar positions. As a full-time employee of BWH, the fellowship is benefits eligible. BWH is proud to offer a very competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, opportunities for professional development, discounts on public transportation, cultural and sporting events. For further information, see the benefits page. Relocation costs for Administrative Fellows are considered on a case-by-case basis.

What are typical first jobs post-fellowship?

It is common for fellows to go onto various types of hospital administration roles after the fellowship experience. Consult our list of past post-fellowship positions for more information.

I have an educational degree or work experience as an MD, RN, PT, or other clinical discipline. Would my background be a good fit for the fellowship program?

Yes. The Fellowship is tailored to provide clinical understanding for non-clinicians and an understanding of management disciplines for clinicians. Building successful collaborative relationships between clinicians and administrators is a key focus of the fellowship experience.

Fellows spend time in the first few months of their fellowship year observing in settings throughout the organization – including clinical areas. This gives Fellows a better understanding of clinicians' work, the challenges and dynamics of the clinical environment, how the entire hospital system functions. Individuals who enter the Fellowship with some prior clinical experience can choose to focus their time observing in less familiar clinical settings or other administrative areas.

I am a foreign applicant. Am I eligible to apply to the Deland Fellowship program? And does Brigham and Women's provide visas?

Foreign applicants who meet the educational eligibility requirements are welcome to apply to the Deland Fellowship under Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. We do not provide work visas for administrative fellows.

When will interviews occur?

For the current 2024-2025 application cycle, applications are due by no later than September 27, 2024 in accordance with NAFCAS timelines. All interviews will be conducted virtually during the period between September – October 2024. Candidates selected for the Deland Fellowship during this cycle will begin the Fellowship in June 2025.

Brigham and Women's Hospital used the National Council on Administrative Fellowship's centralized application system and adheres to associated timelines. View additional information at nafcas.liaisoncas.org.

Will the Deland Fellowship be hosting information sessions?

Yes, information sessions hosted by the current Deland Fellows will occur on:

  • August 27, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
  • September 10, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST

To register for either information session, please send an email to BWHDeland@partners.org.