Rotating Fellows

Who is eligible to apply?

Rotating Fellow applicants should be physicians who have completed or will have completed by June 2021 an accredited residency program at a U.S. institution and/or be licensed to practice medicine in the United States. Applicants must have a US passport or green card (unfortunately this is the case until we have a better immigration policy!*). The following specialties are invited to apply: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Med-Peds, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, OB/GYN, Anesthesiology, or General Surgery.

Can I still apply if I am not a US citizen or permanent resident?

Unfortunately, no.

What is the difference between a Rotating Fellow and a Site Fellow?

Rotating Fellows are US-trained and licensed physicians who will rotate between both domestic and international partner sites each year of the fellowship. Site Fellows are already employed at partner sites and join the fellow community. Collectively, both Rotating Fellows and Site Fellows are considered part of one fellowship class.

If I’m not a physician, can I still apply to be a HEAL Rotating Fellow?

Not at this time. 

How many Rotating Fellows does HEAL accept each year?

We accept between 10-13 Rotating Fellows each year (these fellows join 10-13 Site Fellows to form the full HEAL Cohort).

I am a physician and I have completed my COMLEX exams instead of the USMLE? Can I still apply?

Yes, the COMLEX equivalent of the USMLE qualifies.

Are there any requirements in terms of previous in-country experience, language, etc.?

Previous language experience is taken into account when determining an appropriate match for certain partner sites, but it is not required for admission into the program. Specific international sites may have a language requirement (See Role Descriptions above)

Should I submit letters of recommendation as part of my application?

No. We will be contacting the 3 references submitted in your application and therefore will not be requiring separate letters of recommendation.

How long is the commitment for HEAL Initiative fellows?

The HEAL Initiative is a two-year, full-time commitment that begins each year in July. There is a one-year option for Psychiatrists.

I have a family at home. Is it still possible for me to do this fellowship?

Yes. There have been several fellows with families who have completed the fellowship. We  encourage applicants to discuss appropriate housing arrangements directly with partner sites.  

Will I receive health insurance? Malpractice insurance?

Yes. All Rotating Fellows receive health insurance and malpractice insurance through UCSF. Fellows also have the option of including dependents on their health insurance. 

If I am accepted as a HEAL fellow, do I automatically gain acceptance to a professional development opportunity?

No. HEAL will assist fellows with the application process, but decisions on acceptance are ultimately made by university offering the course. HEAL will assist fellows in seeking out alternative options if they don’t gain acceptances into any of the offered programs.

What do Rotating Fellows say they get most out of joining the HEAL Initiative?

Among many other things, Rotating Fellows speak to the deep benefits of joining a diverse, interprofessional, international community of health workers focused on health equity. They also speak to the opportunity to immerse themselves deeply in the work of global health equity at partner sites.