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The Steve Poole Endowed Pediatric Advocacy and Health Equity Fellowship
What is the Steve Poole Endowed Fellowship in Pediatric Advocacy and Health Equity?
The Pediatric Advocacy and Health Equity Fellowship is a 1-year, part-time paid fellowship for community pediatricians. The objective of the Advocacy and Health Equity Fellowship is to provide training for pediatricians in community-based advocacy and the promotion of health equity in primary care for underserved children. This fellowship is sponsored by private funders and is offered by the Department of Pediatrics in the CU School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado. The focus of this fellowship is to address the healthcare system issues and social risk factors that affect children covered by Medicaid, CHP+, or those who are uninsured.
Practicing primary care pediatricians who are committed to serving children regardless of their insurance status will receive comprehensive training through this fellowship. The training will include two main components and the fellow will complete a project in one or both areas:
1. Advocacy Training: Pediatricians will learn how to effectively advocate for improvements in the healthcare system and address health related social needs within their community.
2. Practice-Based Health Equity: Pediatricians will be equipped with skills to transform their practices to improve health equity. They will work closely with their practice leadership to implement projects aimed at enhancing health outcomes for underserved children.
Fellowship Structure and Compensation
- The fellowship will be a part-time (7-8 hours per week) for a 1-year period starting August 1st, 2026.
- Stipend of $35,000 for 1-year commitment.
- The fellow will report directly to the Fellowship Director.
- The fellow will present findings/results at the end of the year to the Fellowship Director, Associate Director, and interested Advisory Committee members.
- The fellow will produce CV worthy products such as a report that will be sent to the Fellowship Director and Advisory Committee members and the fellow will be encouraged to share results more widely which may include publication if appropriate.
- The fellow must be able to invest the time necessary to meet the project deliverables while also maintaining their usual work obligations including the ability to meet with fellowship director and other stakeholders. Occasional travel may be required.
Although the Fellowship Advisory Committee is open to any projects focused on health equity for underserved children, we have a particular interest in focusing on the integration of behavioral health in primary care. This focus on integrated behavioral health within the pediatric medical home will be emphasized for both the community-based advocacy and the practice-based health equity components.
Benefits of participating in a pediatric advocacy fellowship
Participating in a pediatric advocacy fellowship offers numerous benefits for pediatricians. First, it provides a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children. By becoming advocates, fellows can help shape policies that directly impact the health and well-being of patients. This sense of purpose and fulfillment is often cited as one of the most rewarding aspects of an advocacy fellowship experience.
There are numerous ways a pediatrician within the pediatric medical home can help improve the health outcomes for children enrolled in Medicaid and those facing social risks. Simultaneously, Health First Colorado (Medicaid) has created an alternative payment model to provide sustainable funding for implementing health related social needs screening and practice-based health equity initiatives. The fellowship program provides diverse opportunities for acquiring knowledge and skills regarding effective strategies to achieve these objectives and elevate the practice as a comprehensive pediatric medical home as well as to continue to advocate for sustainable funding for these initiatives.
This pediatric advocacy fellowship also allows participants to develop a wide range of skills that are applicable beyond the realm of advocacy. Fellows learn how to effectively communicate complex medical concepts to policymakers and the public, honing their abilities as public speakers and writers. These skills are highly transferable and can be applied to a variety of professional roles.
Additionally, participating in the pediatric advocacy fellowship offers valuable networking opportunities. Fellows have the chance to connect with experts in the field, including legislators, policymakers, and influential leaders in child health. These connections can open doors to future career opportunities and collaborations, as well as provide ongoing support and mentorship.
Fellow Qualifications
Ideal candidates should meet the following criteria:- Completion of a pediatric residency and be in a general community pediatric practice or clinic that accepts Medicaid patients in the state of Colorado.
- Currently work in a community pediatric practice willing to support a project to improve health equity and willing to allow the fellow to devote 7-8 hours per week for a year to the fellowship.
- The fellow is willing to commit to doing advocacy after the fellowship.
- The fellow is willing to be Volunteer Clinical Faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado.
- The fellow is committed to addressing health equity in their community pediatric practice after completion of the fellowship.
2024-2025
| Fellow | |
Dr. Matt Guerrieri |
|
2025-2026
| Fellow | |
Amanda Hill |
|
If you are interested in making a difference and shaping the future of healthcare, apply now to join our program. Deadline for application is midnight on April 26th, 2026. After review of application materials from all applicants, a limited
number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with the Fellowship Director, Associate Fellowship Director and interested members of the Advisory Board. You will be notified of an interview invitation via the email provided
in your application. Applicants may submit any questions and must submit the following documents to [email protected]:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Personal Statement (approximately 500 words) that includes:
- Reason for interest in the fellowship
- Experience in advocating for the wellbeing of children
- How experience aligns with the required duties and deliverables including the focus on integrated behavioral health within the pediatric medical home
- Names and contact information for two references who can speak to your skills, qualifications, and potential to succeed in the fellowship.
- Statement of affirmation from your practice manager or practice leadership team of the ability to commit a minimum of 7 hours per week for 1-full year to the fellowship and associated activities.