In 2001, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) established the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars® (Health & Society Scholars) to build the field of population health by producing leaders who will change the questions asked, the methods used to analyze problems and the range of solutions offered to improve the health of all Americans. Scholars:

• Investigate the connections among biological, behavioral, environmental, economic and social determinants of health.
• Develop, evaluate and disseminate knowledge and interventions based upon these determinants.

The program accepts up to 18 scholars per year — three at each of six participating universities: Columbia University; Harvard University; University of California, San Francisco/Berkeley; University of Michigan; University of Pennsylvania and University of Wisconsin.

Scholars who have a doctoral degree in fields including behavioral and social sciences, biological and natural sciences, health professions, public policy, public health, history and ethics are eligible for the program.

This report covers Health & Society Scholars from April 2001 through August 2007.

Key Results

• As of September 2008, 109 scholars have participated or are participating in Health & Society Scholars. The program has 69 alumni, 39 scholars, and one non-graduate who participates in alumni activities.
• The scholars have broadened their research and career perspectives and choices. They understand the interdisciplinary nature of population health. Many scholars have accepted positions that they would not have chosen had they not participated in the program.
• The participating universities are building their population health infrastructure by creating linkages across departments and campuses, including joint faculty appointments, and by establishing new initiatives, departments and centers.
• Recognition of the field of population health — both within the participating universities and more broadly — is growing.

Program Management
RWJF managed the program internally until September 2007, when the New York Academy of Medicine became the national program office.

Funding
Since January 2001, the RWJF Board of Trustees has authorized the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars up to a total of $66.258 million. The most recent authorization was in April 2005 for up to $33.958 million.