Leadership Education in Adolescent Health

About

The Leadership Education in Adolescent Health Program (UW LEAH) is dedicated to training future leaders in adolescent health with the goal of improving health of all adolescents and young adults (AYA). UW LEAH fellows participate in mentored, hands-on, and didactic training in AYA health, focusing on interdisciplinary practice, leadership skills, research, public health, advocacy and policy, community engagement, and health services design and delivery.  UW LEAH uniquely prepares trainees to assume leadership roles in their respective fields.  

Our curriculum highlights the life course perspective and the relationships between health, society, and the environment. We benefit from strong local, state, regional, and national partnerships that include families and AYA, providers, state and local agencies, and professional organizations. 

This program is one of nine interdisciplinary training programs funded by a Title V grant from the Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Who should Apply to be a Fellow?

UW LEAH long-term fellows are graduate students and mid-career health care professionals who seek to become leaders in AYA health. Each year, we recruit and assemble a cohort of top candidates in each of the five core LEAH disciplines:
 

Opportunities are also available for members of other disciplines and community organizations who are interested in leadership training in AYA health.

Applicant Requirements:

1. Current enrollment in a relevant advanced graduate program (e.g. Masters degree or higher in nursing, social work, or nutrition), OR completion of one of:
   1. Ph.D. in Psychology and an APA-accredited internship
   2. Medical residency in an AYA-related health field (e.g. pediatrics, family medicine)
   3. Graduate level training in nursing, social work or nutrition
2. U.S. citizenship

Long-term Fellowship Details

How long is the long-term fellowship program?

Training duration varies by specialty but most fellows complete the program over the course of three academic quarters aligned with the UW calendar (end of September to beginning of June).

What does the training involve?  Can it be customized?

The core curriculum for the UW LEAH includes weekly seminars, clinical experiences with AYA populations, engagement in leadership activities, and completion of a mentored leadership project.

All fellows complete an individualized training plan which is used to ensure that the training experience is tailored to the interests of the fellow. The goal is to help fellows achieve advanced competencies in leadership skills and greater understanding of AYA health challenges and opportunities in order to prepare fellows for future leadership opportunities. 

What type of leadership opportunities are available through UW LEAH?

UW LEAH fellows are encouraged to engage in a range of leadership activities based on the individualized training plan that they develop with their mentor. Opportunities include: participating in committees or working groups, providing technical assistance to collaborative projects with UW LEAH community and state partners, assisting in the delivery of continuing education activities to practicing professionals, community engagement, and advocacy experiences. 

Are there required projects?

Yes, UW LEAH fellows are required to complete a leadership project with the mentorship of their faculty mentor. Projects are selected by the fellow and may include research, clinical guideline or tool development, quality improvement activities, continuing education efforts, or advocacy. UW LEAH fellows present their leadership projects to their peers and program faculty during the LEAH Presentation Day in early June.  Whenever possible, fellows are encouraged to align their projects with other required academic products, such as theses, capstones or dissertations.

 

 

 

Long-Term Fellowship Application Deadlines

• Psychology: We are not accepting psychology fellow applicants for the 2026-2027 grant cycle. Please check back for the 2027-2028 application cycle, which opens December 2026.
• Social Work: March 1, 2026
• Nursing: May 1 , 2026
• Nutrition: June 1, 2026
• Medicine: Follows national ACGME, NRMP, ERAS deadlines

Medium Term Fellowship Options

In addition to the long-term fellow training program, UW LEAH offers select opportunities for medium-term training and dedicated research mentorship on a case-by-case basis. We also offer the opportunity to complete a Certificate of Advanced Competency for interested graduate-level fellows or practicing professionals. For further information about these training opportunities, contact UWLEAH@seattlechildrens.org. 

Medium Term Fellowship Application Deadlines

• Heritage University: June 1, 2026
• Mid-Term Trainee: rolling admissions

Apply NOW for LEAH Fellowship