Teresa Jackson selected as national health policy scholars participant

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

As one of only 40 applicants selected, Teresa Jackson, MS, RDN, LD, graduate student in the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University, joins Health Policy Research Scholars, a new program led by Johns Hopkins University with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Jackson will join scholars from across the country to collaborate and innovate to solve persistent challenges and advance a Culture of Health—one that places well-being at the center of every aspect of life.

Participating scholars are from communities that—by race, ethnicity, socio-economic status and other factors—are traditionally underrepresented in doctoral programs and policy development, with an intention to diversify the next generations of leaders and ensure equity in policies.

“These scholars are dedicated to advancing their field in a way that makes a positive and significant impact on their communities,” says Harolyn M.E. Belcher, MD, MHS, program director, Health Policy Research Scholars Center for Diversity in Public Health Leadership Training and Professor of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University. “In order to do so, they’re willing to forge a new path, learn how to do things differently and work collaboratively to achieve a healthier, more equitable society.”

Along the way Jackson is developing high-level leadership skills through professional coaching, mentoring, networking and an advanced health policy curriculum. While participating in the program she will continue working full-time and applying new health policy knowledge and leadership in the community and field.

Additional partners providing training and coaching to scholars include: AcademyHealth, George Washington University, Mayo Clinic, University of California—Los Angeles, and University of Michigan.

Health Policy Research Scholars is one of four new leadership development programs launched this year by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and represents a four-year, multimillion dollar investment. The programs join five existing leadership programs in advancing RWJF’s legacy of supporting the development and diversity of leaders impacting health. The 2017 application period for the newer programs will open in January. Additional information is available at www.healthpolicyresearch-scholars.org