Advocates for Better Health – the Foundation

Dr. Pete Dehnel Public Health Advocacy Fellowship

“Advocates for Better Health’s Dr. Pete Dehnel Public Health Advocacy Fellowship (Fellowship) has become a vital part of the organization’s work and legacy. Since 2018, the Fellowship innovative leadership development and advocacy training has impacted more than 200 physicians and physicians in training giving them the relationships and tools they need to improve the health of their communities.

ABH sees the power of physician leadership in public health and the unique role physicians and medical students can play working in partnership with the communities they serve. The Fellowship is a unique program founded on connections, immersion, and practice that cultivates participants strengths and gives them the power to confidently say, “I am an advocate.”

The Fellowship’s nine-month curriculum brings together three elements to create a well-rounded toolkit of advocacy skills: 1) skills training (legislative advocacy, coalition building, communications skills, etc.) provided by community leaders, experts, ABH staff, and program alumni, 2) mentoring from a physician advocate who shares passions or experience in the student’s area of interest, and, 3) hands-on experience with public health advocacy, for example meeting with elected officials, working with community leaders, or publishing a letter in a news publication.”