Link Health Gap Year Fellowship
Vot-ER
Link Health Gap Year Fellowship
Please apply via our website here: https://ahealthierdemocracy.org/gapyear/
Overview
The Link Health Gap Year Fellowship is a unique paid part time opportunity designed for students in Boston and Houston taking a gap year to gain valuable experience in community health, expand research capabilities, and build strong mentorship connections. The fellowship offers a stipend of $12,000 for a 12-month commitment (flexible), supporting students as they prepare for the next stage of their academic and professional journey.
Role Description
The Link Health Gap Year Fellowship program is a hands-on, in-person leadership role focused on patient care and program operations. The Fellow will serve as the Chief Patient Navigator at Link Health, responsible for overseeing and guiding the operations of the Link Health Navigator Program.
In this role, the Fellow will work closely with Link Health executive staff and partner healthcare sites to ensure the seamless functioning of a team of 5 senior patient navigators. While prior experience as a patient navigator is not required, the Fellow will receive comprehensive training to achieve formal accreditation. However, candidates must have prior experience working directly with patients.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting weekly site visits to clinics to observe workflows, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate with the team to implement changes.
- Actively participating in operational activities to enhance clinic efficiency and effectiveness.
- Serving as a patient navigator by directly assisting patients and providing hands-on support.
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience in a healthcare setting while making a tangible impact on patient care and program operations.
Who is this Fellowship For?
The fellowship is ideal for students who can commit one full year starting in June. This includes but is not limited to students in the following categories:
- Post-Baccalaureate Students: Individuals taking a gap year between undergraduate studies and medical school or another graduate program looking to enrich their experience.
- Medical Students Taking a Gap Year: Current medical students taking a break from their studies to engage in meaningful community work and professional development.
- Concurrent Graduate Students: Students pursuing a master’s degree while seeking a fulfilling paid part-time experience.
Time Commitments
Participants will work approximately 15 hours per week, focusing on community health initiatives through Link Health. The Fellow is generally expected to be available 2–3 afternoons per week to be on site in clinics, with flexibility throughout the week for remote check-ins at times that align with their schedule. Time off for interviews or travel can be negotiated as needed over the course of the year.
Key Benefits
- Research Opportunities: Fellows will have the optional opportunity to engage in research and writing activities, such as abstract presentations, conferences, and non-peer-reviewed publication projects. These activities can be pursued on their own time and are not included in the 15-hour weekly operational commitment for this role.
- Letter of Recommendation: Fellows will receive personalized letters of recommendation highlighting their work and contributions, tailored to support their medical or graduate school applications.
- Professional Mentorship: Fellows will be paired with experienced mentors, including faculty from Harvard Medical School, to guide their academic and career development.
- Flexible Integration: The program is designed to complement other academic pursuits, such as concurrent master’s studies, while providing a fulfilling and enriching experience.
- Hands on Experience: Fellows will gain hands-on experience working directly with patients while also developing leadership skills by assisting in the management of a team of patient navigators.
- Certified Patient Navigator Training: All Fellows will complete a training and certification process to become certified patient navigators, a recognized role within the healthcare sector. This certification can be added to their resume or CV, enhancing their professional credentials for future opportunities.
Ideal Candidate
The Link Health Fellowship seeks students who are passionate about community health, interested in gaining hands-on experience, and preparing for the next stage of their academic and professional journey. Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to service, a desire to learn, and strong communication skills.