CHCF Health Care Leadership Program (Cohort 26) is a fellowship from the California Health Care Foundation that trains clinically trained health care professionals to become effective health system leaders. The two-year, part-time program provides the experience, skills, and network necessary for leadership in California's health care system.

Up to 32 physicians, behavioral health professionals, nurses, and other clinicians are accepted per cohort. Eligible applicants are clinically trained health care professionals living and working in California with demonstrated leadership experience. The application deadline for Cohort 26 is June 30, 2026.

CHCF Health Care Leadership Program - California Health Care Foundation CHCF Health Care Leadership Program - California Health Care Foundation CHCF Health Care Leadership Program This two-year, part-time fellowship offers clinically trained health care professionals the experience and skills necessary for effective vision and leadership in the health care system.

The CHCF Health Care Leadership Program helps to transform today’s clinicians into tomorrow’s leaders. Up to 32 physicians, behavioral health providers, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health care professionals are selected annually for this two-year, part-time fellowship. Fellows participate in the program while continuing to work at their home organizations.

They attend six seminars during the course of the fellowship and meet in regional groups with designated leaders between seminars. Each fellow also completes a California Health Care Improvement Project of their choice, according to fellowship guidelines.

The program is led by national experts in health care and leadership development from Healthforce Center at UCSF and addresses health care issues from the perspectives of business management and public policy. Fellows broaden their management skills and sharpen their leadership capacity while gaining insights into the trends and challenges facing health care in California.

Alumni become part of a network of over 650 leaders that continue to collaborate and develop their skills. Application to the program is open April through June each year. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit Healthforce Center at UCSF .

See a list of current fellows and all alumni of the CHCF Health Care Leadership Program. CHCF Health Care Leadership Program Welcomes 25th Cohort of Fellows The program picked its next 32 clinician leaders working to strengthen California’s health care safety net.

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