A Wessex programme that partners Foundation Year doctors and Specialist Registrars in Public health with voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver projects to improve the health and wellbeing of local populations.
Every year, Foundation Year medics from the Wessex region apply to take part in an exciting Public Health Community Fellowship (PHCF). This programme connects local community organisations with small teams of early‑career doctors who want real‑world experience in public health.
Why apply to become a Fellow?
This Fellowship provides a valuable opportunity for Foundation Year doctors to broaden their teaching, leadership, teamwork and communication skills across sectors, disciplines and professional boundaries and gain experience in community development.
How can organisations benefit from participating in the PHCF?
By hosting a group of Fellows, you’ll:
Work with a team of motivated Foundation Year doctors, whooffer a blend of clinical understanding, analytical skill, and enthusiasm for community‑centred health improvement.
Gain support to analyse data you already hold or gather new insights, whereFellows can evaluate services and uncover evidence that supports funding bids, improve impact, or shape future planning.
Increase your organisation’s visibility and forge stronger links with local clinical and public health teams.
Directly contribute to the development of a holistic clinical workforce by providing a valuable opportunity to work with organisations that support the population outside of clinical medicine.
How does the Fellowship work?
Participating organisations will be matched with a small group of F2 doctors (practicing doctors in their second year after qualification) who have been awarded a Fellowship position following a competitive application process. Between October and June across an academic year, each Fellow will contribute eight protected working days to a project.
The Fellows will work with community organisations to shape a project that fits their needs and is manageable within the time available. The Fellows will predominantly work remotely but will visit your organisation where appropriate. The project will be supported by the Registrars and Leadership team of the Wessex School of Public Health.
What sort of projects can be undertaken?
In collaboration with the Fellows, your project will be tailored to your organisation’s needs, but past work includes:
Analysing data to understand the needs of a population you support
Evaluating the impact of an existing programme
Designing new health improvement initiatives, such as workshops or resources
Reviewing existing service pathways to identify gaps or inequalities
Mapping community needs to inform strategic planning or funding bids
Why should organisations partner with the PHCF?
This is a win‑win collaboration:
Organisations gain free expertise, energy and enthusiasm on projects that strengthen your services.
Fellows gain invaluable experience working directly with community groups, understanding local needs, and applying public health principles outside the hospital setting.
Organisational participation shapes the next generation of doctors – and their work helps to amplify yours.