Medical School Leader Chosen for RWJF Health Policy Fellowship Program

Susan Culican, MD, PhD, a pediatric ophthalmologist and senior associate dean of graduate medical education at the University of Minnesota Medical School, has been selected as a 2026-2027 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellow by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This fellowship recognizes her as one of the nation’s leading health professionals poised to influence health policy at the highest levels of government.

Starting this September, Dr. Culican will spend a year in Washington, D.C., where she and seven other health experts will deepen their understanding of health policy development through immersive experiences. The program places fellows as senior advisors to federal government leaders within legislative or executive branches, equipping them to contribute directly to policymaking processes. This unique opportunity allows participants to translate clinical expertise into effective policy interventions.

Dr. Culican emphasizes her goal to bridge the gap between frontline healthcare challenges and policymaking. She seeks to master the intricate processes of policy negotiation and implementation, particularly focusing on how evidence can be used to guide these decisions. Her ultimate objective is to drive reforms that enhance health outcomes by crafting policies that reflect the realities faced by patients and healthcare providers alike.

In her clinical role, Dr. Culican specializes in pediatric ophthalmology at M Health Fairview, treating various eye conditions affecting children. Her academic contributions include the creation of ophthalmology milestones, data-driven assessments for residency training, and innovative educational pathways designed to bolster workforce capacity in underserved medical specialties.

The RWJF Health Policy Fellowship is highly competitive, targeting mid-career professionals with substantial subject-matter expertise. Fellows not only hone skills in health systems and policy analysis during their tenure but also join an influential alumni network of over 300 health leaders who continue to shape policy and healthcare innovation nationwide.

Gregg Margolis, program director at NAM, underscores the importance of this fellowship cohort, especially as healthcare challenges grow increasingly complex. He notes that their real-world insights are critical for crafting pragmatic policies that improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of health decision-making.

Dr. Culican hopes the fellowship will enhance her capability as a physician-leader who influences evidence-based health policy. She is committed to advancing her study of healthcare systems while helping policymakers recognize the impact of their decisions on patients, clinicians, and communities. This endeavor mirrors a broader commitment to aligning health policies with the dynamic demands of modern medicine.

As healthcare continues to evolve, Dr. Culican’s involvement exemplifies the vital intersection of clinical expertise and policy development. The RWJF Health Policy Fellowship provides a transformative platform for engaged professionals to enact meaningful change, reinforcing the growing trend of clinician-led health policy innovation.