By Duke Medicine News and Communications

Durham, N.C. -- Nancy Short, assistant professor and assistant dean of the Duke School of Nursing, has been named one of seven Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellows for 2004-2005.

Short, a registered nurse who holds a doctorate in health policy and administration, and masters of business administration, is the first nurse from Duke University Medical Center to be awarded the RWJF fellowship. Only two other Duke health care providers have been named RWJF Health Policy Fellows: Johnnie L. Gallemore Jr., M.D., (1974-1975) and Karen S. Guice, M.D., (1996-1997).

"Dr. Short's career path has provided her with experience and academic preparation that uniquely positions her to benefit from and contribute to this important Fellowship," said Mary Champagne, Ph.D., Dean of the Duke School of Nursing. "During and following the Fellowship, she will be well-positioned to contribute to policy affecting nursing and health care in our community, state and nation."

The fellows—outstanding, mid-career health professionals working in academic and community-based settings—will complete a wide range of activities designed to enrich their knowledge of the public-policy process and foster a better understanding of how government health and biomedical research activities relate to the mission of their home institutions and local communities. After a period of orientation, each fellow will work in legislative or executive branch offices with key responsibilities for health legislation and programs.

When Short goes to Capitol Hill in September 2004, she will bring with her a diverse background that includes clinical and administrative experience, teaching, and research.

"Throughout my career, I have noticed that much of what I do as a nurse is governed by policies created by people outside of the field," said Short. "By becoming a fellow, I have the opportunity to work hands-on shaping health policy. It's vital that nurses, who are the backbone of the health care industry, have a voice in the process."

The fellowship program was established in 1973 at the Institute of Medicine with a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The fellows are selected by the IOM's Health Policy Fellowships Advisory Board, chaired by Robert Graham, M.D., Acting Deputy Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.