The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows (RWJF) program today announced the recipients of  two 2026 RWJF Health Policy Fellows Alumni Awards.
Barbara Ross-Lee, DO (RWJF HPF 1990–91) received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, PhD, RD (RWJF HPF 2016–17) received the Susie Nanney Culture of Health Champion Award. 
These awards recognize distinguished alumni whose leadership, service, and contributions to health and health policy exemplify the program’s mission and lasting impact. Both recipients were honored during the program’s annual alumni retreat in Washington, DC on October 17.Ìý
Lifetime Achievement Award: Barbara Ross-Lee, DO Ìý
Barbara Ross-Lee, DO, is the 2026 recipient of the RWJF Health Policy Fellows Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her pioneering leadership in osteopathic medicine, medical education, and health policy. Ìý
Established in 2008, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors distinguished alumni for sustained accomplishments in health and health policy, exceptional service to others, and a demonstrated commitment to mentoring and advancing the careers of fellow health professionals. Ìý
Ross-Lee is a nationally recognized physician, educator, and leader whose career has helped expand opportunities and strengthen systems in osteopathic medicine. She made history as the first African American woman to serve as dean of a U.S. medical school when she became dean of the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Ìý
The first osteopathic physician to complete the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship, Ross-Lee drew on her experience in Congress to advance health policy engagement within osteopathic medicine.  Ìý
Among many other accomplishments, she also served as Vice President for Health Sciences and Medical Affairs at the New York Institute of Technology and as the inaugural dean of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University.  Ìý
Ross-Lee also founded the American Osteopathic Association Health Policy Fellowship Program and has been appointed to a number of National Academy of Medicine committees, addressing the future of primary care and graduate medical education. Ìý
“The Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellowship provided me with the experiential learning in the U.S. Congress that guided my subsequent professional journey in health policy and academic medicine,” said Ross-Lee. “To be nominated by my colleagues for this amazing award is a humbling acknowledgment of the value of my journey. I am truly honored.” Ìý
Susie Nanney Culture of Health Champion Award: Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, PhD, RD Ìý
Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, PhD, RD, is the 2026 recipient of the Susie Nanney Culture of Health Champion Award, recognizing her commitment to advancing health equity through nutrition research, public health policy, and mentorship. Ìý
Established in 2018, the award honors the memory of Susie Nanney, PhD, MPH, RD, a beloved member of the 2016–17 fellowship class and a dedicated public health nutritionist. It recognizes alumni who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to creating healthier, more equitable communities and advancing a culture of health for all. Ìý
Ohri-Vachaspati is a professor of nutrition and Interim Director of the School of Human Performance and Lifespan Health at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions. Ìý
Ohri-Vachaspati’s career has focused on understanding the root causes of health and nutritional inequity and finding creative, evidence-based solutions to address them.  As a 2016–17 RWJF Health Policy Fellow, Ohri-Vachaspati served in the U.S. Senate, gaining firsthand experience with federal health and nutrition policy. She has continued to apply that experience through her research, teaching, and mentorship of future public health professionals. 
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award, established in the memory of my dear friend and colleague, Susie Nanney,” said Ohri-Vachaspati. “Susie’s legacy as an inspiring public health nutritionist and her commitment to advancing health equity continues to inspire me and so many others in our field.” 
Reflecting on her fellowship experience, she added, “I am grateful to the RWJF Health Policy Fellowship for providing opportunities during my time in Washington, DC to work on several critical nutrition policy issues, including the Farm Bill and other federal nutrition programs. Those experiences continue to shape and inform my research, teaching and mentoring, and have strengthened my ability to contribute to policy-focused research at both the state and national levels.” Ìý
About the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellows ProgramÌý
The , conducted and administered by the National Academy of Medicine with funding support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, offers the nation’s most comprehensive learning experience at the intersection of health, science, and policy in Washington, DC. Since its establishment in 1973, this nonpartisan fellowship has provided exceptional mid-career health professionals, behavioral and social scientists, and others committed to improving health and health care with direct, hands-on experience in the nation’s most influential congressional and executive branch offices. Fellows gain a deep understanding of the policymaking process, develop strong leadership and analytical skills, and bring their expertise to address pressing health challenges at the national, state, and local levels.
