ODPHP Visiting Scholar

Instructions for ODPHP Visiting Scholar Applicants

Experience in public health and healthcare policy development is essential in the training of future public health leaders and medical professionals. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provides an outstanding opportunity to gain experience in the formation of public health and healthcare policy at the federal level. ODPHP does this by offering rotations to college and graduate students, preventive medicine and primary care residents, HHS Emerging Leaders, and other scholars. Please note that all assignments are unpaid. While at ODPHP, these visiting scholars will have opportunities to:

Assist in the implementation of Presidential and Secretarial initiatives, Healthy People 2020, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and ODPHP-specific projects.
Experience first-hand the basis for national policy decisions.
Assist in coordinating initiatives and policy documents among the various agencies within HHS. (e.g. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, etc.)
Aid in preparing briefings for the ODPHP Director and the Assistant Secretary for Health.
Have the opportunity to serve on interdepartmental committees involving a range of specific topics related to health promotion and disease prevention.
Understand the role of health communication in disease prevention and health promotion.
Develop fundamental competencies in public health.

All persons wishing to rotate through ODPHP must submit an application, resume, and a brief statement describing their relevant background, applicable skills, and reasons for their interest in working in the Office. These documents can be completed and submitted online on the ODPHP website. It will take approximately 1-2 weeks to review each application. The most qualified applicants will be invited to interview in person or by telephone.

Preventive medicine and primary care residents are encouraged to apply for the Association of Prevention Teaching and Research Health Policy Residency Rotations at www.aptrweb.org. ATPR does provide a stipend for persons awarded this practicum experience.

ODPHP will try to accommodate the majority of applicants. However, the number of applications varies throughout the year, and at certain times placement will be more competitive than others. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead in order to be given full consideration.

Submit an Application

For more information about applying for a rotation in ODPHP, please contact:

Jayaram Srinivasan, MD, MPH, CPH
Senior Clinical Advisor, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
13th Luther L. Terry Senior Fellow in Preventive Medicine
Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite LL-100
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (240) 453-8268
Fax: (240) 453-8281
Email: jayaram.srinivasan@hhs.gov

This site is coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.