Change, especially the complex change needed to dismantle structural racism, rarely happens because of one person. It has and always will come from the leadership of communities (geographic, cultural, social), informed by tradition, lived experience, wisdom, and deep understanding of what needs to change.
Leadership for health equity is the capacity for individuals, organizations, or communities to co-create an emerging future in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being. Leadership requires all of us to work both independently and collectively, with equal attention to system and policy change and internal culture and practice. is an essential lever for change.
At RWJF, we are committed to centering equity in our leadership strategies, supporting systems leaders to shift the conditions that are holding problems in place, and strengthening collective leadership approaches. We believe in giving leaders the resources and supports they need to thrive, building connections with others doing this important work, and strengthening the conditions for leadership to emerge.
Supporting Leadership Where it Happens
A New Vision for Collective Leadership
Leadership is a practice shaped by life experiences, context, and community need; there is no one way to do it. Yet dominant culture assumptions about who leaders are, how they work, and what they need are often limiting and perpetuate an oppressive status quo. The organizations featured on this page have informed this expansive conception of leadership and leadership development. We welcome you into a space of curiosity, innovation, and trust—a space where we will advance conversations that have simmered for a while, ask some urgent new questions, and share ideas to move us all from contemplation to decisive action.
Community Grand Rounds
Changing the way people think about, talk about, and act on the impact of structural racism on health.
Visit each program’s website for more information. If you have any questions about RWJF's leadership programs, email: coordinatingcenter@rwjf.org.
Clinical Scholars
Preparing and supporting interdisciplinary teams of health care professionals to use their voice and skills in collaboratively tackling complex health issues in their communities.
Culture of Health Leaders
Supporting leaders from all sectors and professions to create collaborative solutions that advance equity and move communities and organizations toward a Culture of Health.
Health Policy Research Scholars
Investing in scholars from disadvantaged and/or underrepresented backgrounds whose research and leadership can help shape policy toward a Culture of Health.
Interdisciplinary Research Leaders
Equipping teams of researchers and community partners to apply advanced leadership skills and rigorous research in meeting pressing community health needs.
Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing
The Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing is an 18-month leadership experience that uses the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) framework to strengthen the ecosystem of practitioners who are advancing racial and health equity in their work.
Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program
The Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program was created to increase the number of faculty from historically disadvantaged backgrounds who can achieve senior rank in academic medicine, dentistry, or nursing.
Summer Health Professions Education Program
The Summer Health Professions Education Program is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions.
Related Topic
Clinical Scholars Alumni Verification: To verify that an individual physician was an RWJF Clinical Scholar for the purposes of hospital credentials or licensure, please review the list of names of former Clinical Scholars.
Explore our other focus areas:
Programs that catalyze fundamental system changes in health and health care to improve health care access and quality.
Helping communities reach their greatest health potential by improving the contexts in which residents live, learn, work, and play.
Programs to ensure that all families have the resources they need to foster healthy development from their child’s earliest years.