Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health Director Elise Bur has been selected to participate in a 2022 Health Policy Fellowship at the University of Michigan’s Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT). She will learn about health policy and the research process, as well as how the two intersect, from outside experts and other fellows.
The program is designed to build bridges between Michigan’s health services researchers, nonprofit leaders and health policymakers.
“I am very excited about being accepted and look forward to strengthening healthcare advocacy efforts on behalf of the NMU Center for Rural Health,” Bur said. “This opportunity will allow me to continue building legislative relationships and developing tools to influence state health policy. The experience will be invaluable as the center strives to improve the health and well-being of rural residents.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our Center for Rural Health,” added NMU President Kerri Schuiling, in relaying her full support for Bur’s participation. “It is a competitive program, so Elise’s acceptance underscores her expertise and skill. I could not be happier for her and Northern.”
Over the fellowship period from March through May, nine full-day, interactive sessions take place in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Lansing. There will also be a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., conditions permitting. Orientation briefings focus on the legislative process, Michigan state government structure, the research process, and challenges in building sustainability for nonprofit organizations.
Additional sessions cover a broad range of health policy topics and perspectives, including: the history of health insurance and the Affordable Care Act; lessons in effective policy advocacy; provider and health plan efforts to maximize quality and minimize costs; local and national media engagement panels; and introductions to cutting-edge clinical research and hot topics in health policy.
Fellows are required to develop and present a final project—based on their own work—that translates research for a policy audience. Fellowship projects range in scope, but will include writing and presenting testimony, developing policy one-pagers, briefing legislators and legislative staff members, assembling issue briefs, consulting for state agencies, and writing op-eds.
Bur said the Michigan Health Endowment Fund initially extended the application opportunity to a limited number of their grantees through their partnership with the Center for Health and Research Transformation. According to its website, the CHRT is a non-profit impact organization that works to transform data and research into useful information that improves the health of people and communities.
Since 2012, nearly 100 health professionals and health service researchers have graduated from the CHRT Health Policy Fellowship program. Many former fellows now serve in key legislative positions in Michigan and Washington, D.C., influencing state and federal policy.
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