Four Journalists Selected as 2025 International Health Study Fellows to Enhance U.S. Health Policy Insights
In a significant step towards advancing U.S. health policy through global perspectives, the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) has announced the four recipients of the 2025 International Health Study Fellowships. These talented mid-career journalists will investigate innovative health care practices in various European countries, providing insights that could inform vital reforms in the United States.
Supported by The Commonwealth Fund, the fellowship program, which was paused during the pandemic, encourages journalists to deeply explore comparative health policies by engaging with patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers both domestically and internationally. The breadth of their projects reflects a commitment to identifying pathways to improved health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.
Meet the 2025 Fellows and Their Projects:
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Karen Brown (New England Public Media): Brown will focus on examining how Norway and the United Kingdom have established mental health guardrails that mitigate problem gambling—insights that U.S. public health leaders may find invaluable.
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Drew Hawkins (Gulf States Newsroom/NPR): Hawkins aims to investigate lessons the Gulf South can gain from the Netherlands’ strategy in treating opioid use disorder, a pressing issue in many American communities.
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Cecilia Nowell (The Guardian): Nowell will explore the role of Swedish midwives, who have been pivotal in integrating second-trimester abortion care into their health system, a model gaining traction in the U.S. and relief zones.
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Sandhya Raman (CQ Roll Call): Raman’s project will analyze the implications of changing regulations on smokeless nicotine and tobacco in Sweden and their potential effects on public health in the U.S.
The fellowships not only provide financial support for field research but also offer tailored seminars and mentorship, thereby enhancing journalistic skills that serve public interest. Importantly, projects must be completed by mid-2025, aligning with the fellows’ ongoing professional commitments.
This initiative, mirroring the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and guidance (Proverbs 1:5: "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance"), emphasizes the value of learning from others’ experiences to foster better decision-making in health care.
As these fellows embark on their journeys of exploration and education, we are reminded that understanding diverse perspectives can lead to transformative outcomes in our communities. This aligns with the core teaching to love one’s neighbor (Mark 12:31) by actively engaging in dialogue and collaboration to cultivate healthier societies.
In essence, the fellowship signifies more than just research; it represents an opportunity for healing and understanding, reinforcing the notion that we are all interconnected in this shared journey of life and health. As we reflect on these endeavors, let us consider how we, too, can contribute to the common good, drawing on the strength and wisdom gained from one another’s experiences.
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