Virginia LeBaron Named 2026-27 Health Policy Fellow

Virginia LeBaron, PhD, APRN, FAAN, Kluge-Schakat Associate Professor of Compassionate Care at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, has been selected as a member of the 2026-2027 class of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Fellows, one of the nation's most prestigious health policy leadership programs.

Administered by the National Academy of Medicine, the fellowship brings together a select group of health professionals from across the country for an immersive year-long experience in Washington, D.C., where they gain firsthand experience shaping federal health policy and serving as advisors to leaders in the legislative and executive branches.

"I am incredibly honored to be selected as a 2026-2027 RWJF Health Policy Fellow," LeBaron said. "As a Fellow, I will have the amazing opportunity to experience firsthand how policy is made and contribute my expertise as a nurse scientist in shaping the process."

An internationally recognized researcher, educator, and clinician, LeBaron's work focuses on improving quality of life and care for people living with serious illness, particularly those affected by cancer. Her research and clinical background as an oncology nurse and palliative care nurse practitioner have also fueled a longstanding interest in health policy, including opioid-related policy issues in cancer care.

LeBaron said she is especially eager for the fellowship's hands-on policy experience on Capitol Hill.

"Participating so directly in the federal policy process is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. "I know I will come away with skills and experience that will make me a better researcher, educator, mentor, and citizen."

The fellows were chosen through a national competition that recognizes highly accomplished health and healthcare leaders with the potential to influence policy at the highest levels of government. Beginning in early September, the eight-member cohort will spend four months immersed in health policy education and training before moving into placements as senior advisors to elected and appointed federal leaders.

"At a time when health challenges are increasingly complex, this cohort brings the insight and real-world experience needed to drive meaningful and pragmatic policy solutions," said Gregg Margolis, director of the RWJF Health Policy Fellows program at the National Academy of Medicine. "They will play an important role in strengthening how decisions are made and who they serve. We look forward to supporting their work in the year ahead."

For LeBaron, the fellowship represents an opportunity to expand the reach and impact of her work.

"As a nurse scientist, ensuring our research influences health policy is critical, but knowing how best to do this isn't always clear," she said. "One RWJF Fellow alumnus described the experience as learning to 'paint with a bigger brush.' That is exactly what excites me about this opportunity: the chance to make a bigger, more meaningful impact as an academic researcher and to help patients, caregivers, and communities live healthier lives."

LeBaron also expressed gratitude to the mentors and colleagues who supported her application and to the UVA School of Nursing for supporting her participation in the program.

As she prepares to begin the fellowship this fall, LeBaron looks forward to contributing to the policymaking process and helping shape decisions that influence health and healthcare nationwide.