Celebrating the 8th Cohort of the Public Health Advocacy Fellowship

A collage of images capturing the 8th cohort of the ABH Public Health Advocacy Fellowship.

This year, ABH was proud to support a remarkable cohort of 14 fellows—medical, dental, and nursing students united by a shared commitment to advancing health equity through advocacy.

Throughout the program, fellows explored a wide range of issues shaping the future of care. Their work reflected both depth and urgency: improving access and affordability, expanding oral health care for rural and immigrant communities, strengthening care for people who are currently or formerly incarcerated, and building more inclusive systems for undocumented patients. Others focused on supporting aging adults, advancing equitable care for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and addressing gaps in rare disease research.

Many fellows examined how identity and lived experience shape health outcomes—exploring the intersections of race, gender, and bias in diagnosis and treatment, improving cancer care in Indigenous communities, and advancing culturally responsive approaches such as community-informed health literacy, vaccination outreach, and trust-building around sensitive topics like donor breast milk. Still others worked to strengthen community engagement, increase access to preventive screenings, and improve support for patients with substance use disorders, particularly in emergency care settings.

At their closing session, fellows reflected on what they will carry forward. A common theme emerged: advocacy is not separate from clinical care — it’s an essential part of it. Fellows shared how their understanding of advocacy expanded over the course of the program, from something abstract or policy-driven to something embedded in everyday patient interactions, systems improvement, and community relationships.

They also left with tangible skills. Sessions on narrative messaging and the legislative process equipped them with practical tools to communicate effectively, influence change, and navigate systems that often feel complex or inaccessible. These are skills they will continue to build on throughout their careers.

This cohort’s journey was not without challenges. The program was disrupted by Operation Metro Surge, yet fellows responded with resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of responsibility to one another and their communities. They showed up with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to lead, even in uncertain moments.

We are equally grateful to the mentors who walked alongside them. By sharing their time, insight, and lived experience, mentors not only supported individual fellows but also modeled what it means to sustain advocacy over a lifetime. Their guidance helped bridge the gap between learning and action, demonstrating that meaningful change is both possible and necessary.

To the 2025–2026 fellows and mentors: thank you for your dedication, your courage, and your vision. The future of public health is stronger because of you.

Learn more about ABH’s Fellowship here.