Health Equity & Advocacy Leadership Fellowship
LGBTQ+ Health Equity & Advocacy Leadership (HEAL) Fellowship
GLMA's LGBTQ+ Health Equity & Advocacy Leadership (HEAL) Fellowship is a transformative two-year program empowering early-career LGBTQ+ and BIPOC health professionals to lead systemic change in healthcare policy and practice. Through structured training, mentorship, and real-world leadership placements, fellows gain the skills and networks to influence health systems and improve care for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
The HEAL Fellowship addresses the critical underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC leaders in healthcare. By investing in emerging professionals, the program builds a pipeline of equity-focused professionals prepared to advance inclusive policies and transform health systems from within health organizations and decision-making bodies.
GLMA's LGBTQ+ Health Equity & Advocacy Leadership (HEAL) Fellowship is currently accepting applications for the inaugural 2025-2027 cohort!
Program Structure & Timeline
Year One:
Training & Community Building
- Two in-person retreats: Orientation and Graduation
- Monthly virtual workshops: January – November 2026
- Networking: Affinity groups and peer coaching
- Capstone project: Develop a policy roadmap for a real-world organization
Year Two:
Mentorship & Leadership Placement
- Leadership placements in healthcare organizations (e.g., advisory councils, caucuses)
- Mentorship by experienced LGBTQ+ and BIPOC health leaders
- Leadership engagement and ongoing implementation support
Curriculum Overview
- Understanding Inequity in Health: Explore systemic causes of health disparities for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities
- Navigating Health Policy: Learn how healthcare policies are made at various levels and develop strategies to influence policies on LGBTQ+ health issues
- Power & Advocacy: Understand power dynamics and advocacy roles in health equity
- Building Advocacy Skills: Gain practical tools such as, coalition building, strategic communication, power mapping, media, mobilization, and campaign planning
- Leading for Justice: Learn how to foster sustainable leadership and prepare a real-world capstone project
Program Benefits
- Hands-on leadership and advocacy training
- Retreats, peer community, and professional networking
- Mentorship and leadership placements in health organizations
- Financial support for professional development and travel
- Lifelong connections with an expanding alumni network
Timeline Highlights
Application Process
- Aug 1: Applications open
- Aug 31: Applications close (rolling review ongoing)
- Sep 1–21: Final review and interviews
- Sep 22–30: Final selections announced
Cohort Milestones
- Dec 2025: Orientation retreat
- Jan–Nov 2026: Monthly workshops
- Dec 2026: Graduation retreat with capstone presentations and placements
- Jan–Nov 2027: Leadership placements and mentorship
- Dec 2027: Fellowship close celebration
Who Should Apply?
Individuals committed to health equity, policy advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Early-career health professionals or advanced students who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC, including but not limited to:
Medical & Clinical Professionals:
Physicians (MD, DO), Physician Associates, Nursing Professionals, Pharmacists
Mental & Behavioral Health Professionals:
Psychologists, Therapists, Counselors
Allied Health & Public Health Professionals:
Public Health Practitioners, Health Educators, Community Health Workers, Epidemiologists
Advanced Students & Trainees:
Residents, Fellows, Medical, Nursing, Public Health, and Mental Health Graduate Students
How to Apply
What You’ll Need
- A current resume or CV
- Thoughtful responses to questions about your personal background, identity, and experiences
Fellows are encouraged to set aside about one hour to complete the application.
Submit Your Application Today!
GLMA's HEAL Fellowship application deadline is August 31, 2025
The fellowship is open to early-career health professionals and advanced graduate students who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC. Applicants must reside in the U.S. for the duration of the program.
Early-career professionals are typically within the first five years after completing formal education or training. Advanced graduate students may also apply.
No. Applicants are not required to be publicly out to apply or participate. The fellowship prioritizes privacy and will never disclose an individual’s identity without consent. Applicants should consider any personal risks associated with public affiliation with an LGBTQ+ program.
- Year One: Monthly virtual workshops, two in-person retreats (orientation and graduation), peer coaching, and a capstone policy project
- Year Two: Structured mentorship and leadership placements in healthcare organizations with ongoing implementation support
Applications should demonstrate a clear alignment with the mission of the HEAL Fellowship. Strong responses reflect leadership potential, commitment to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC health equity, and a vision for systems change.
The fellowship is designed to support emerging leaders at all stages. Applicants do not need to have formal leadership roles or credentials. A strong sense of purpose, readiness to learn, and alignment with the fellowship’s goals are the most important factors.
If you have questions about the HEAL Fellowship, or would like to follow up on your application, please connect with our team at mshoetan@glma.org.
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