When it comes to public policy, Batten student Jack DiMatteo (MPP ’19) is drawn to health care, which he views is an area of policy that one can impact directly. It’s this passion (and also optimism) that led him to apply for, and receive, the prestigious David A. Winston Health Policy Fellowship, a 12-month postgraduate program in Washington, DC.

The Winston Health Fellowship awards only two fellowships each year to graduate students interested in pursuing a career in health care policy. The highly-competitive program offers unparalleled opportunities to expand fellows’ knowledge of the political system and to learn how health policy is shaped. By gaining systematic exposure to organizations, associations, and coalitions in the private sector, as well as key offices in Congress and the Administrations, fellows like DiMatteo are exposed to the frontlines of health care policy.

“I have always had an interest in public policy, but throughout my time at Batten, I’ve come to see health care as an area in which you can make a significant impact on people’s lives,” said DiMatteo. “In particular, I am interested in the areas where leaders of both parties can come together to solve complex health policy challenges.

The resolve to make this a bi-partisan issue stems from DiMatteo’s concern regarding the opioid epidemic—a crisis whose daily death toll weighs heavily on the American conscious, especially its policymakers and politicians.

“Since I’ve arrived at Batten, the opioid crisis has been a constant focus of the news and one of the most pressing policy issues we face,” said DiMatteo. “Witnessing this and seeing how policies shaped around this issue can make a difference inspired me to consider what I could do to make an impact. We seem to be making little progress in combatting the opioid crisis—but I think that can change.”

Navigating the intricacies of the American health care system is no easy feat and requires a strong foundational knowledge of the complex nature of health care policy, which DiMatteo was introduced to during a course at UVA’s Graduate School of Nursing with Professor Rick Mayes. 

“I took the course ‘Introduction to U.S. Healthcare’ with Professor Rick Mayes. He has been a great mentor to me,” said DiMatteo. “He wrote my letter of recommendation for the Winston Fellowship, in addition to Batten Professor Dan Player and When We All Vote CEO Kyle Lierman.”

DiMatteo is excited about the fellowship and the opportunities for growth and learning it will provide.

“The first three months of the fellowship offer us the chance to learn from people working on health care in D.C. both in government and in other domains,” said DiMatteo. “In the last nine months, we will have a unique opportunity to work directly for a member of Congress or on a committee.”

DiMatteo credits Batten with helping him get to where he is now.

“There’s no doubt that Batten played a huge role in helping me receive this fellowship,” said DiMatteo. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without help from so many members of our community. The career services team of Hannah Rose Hintz, Steve Hiss, and Jill Rockwell supported me the whole way. I’m especially grateful to Hannah Rose and my friend Matt Tully, a member of the Batten Undergraduate Class of 2018, for putting me through mock interviews that prepared me very well for the fellowship interview. My professors and classmates have inspired me greatly, and I am excited to be with many of my Batten friends in D.C. next year!”