SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has announced that Dr. Brian Keith McNeil, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Vice Chair of the Department of Urology, has been named a 2025–2026 Health Policy Fellow by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This fellowship places health professionals in Washington, D.C., to engage in legislative and regulatory work related to health alongside Congress members and the executive branch.
The RWJF Health Policy Fellows program is known as a prestigious learning experience at the intersection of health, science, and public policy. Participants undergo an intensive three-month orientation followed by a nine-month assignment in either a congressional office or federal agency. The fellowship aims to prepare leaders who can drive improvements in healthcare systems and policies.
“Health policy is back in the forefront as our country evaluates the role of government in public health and healthcare,” said Gregg Margolis, director of the RWJF Health Policy Fellows program at NAM. “The 2025-2026 RWJF Fellows represent some of the nation’s leading experts, and we are excited to welcome them to the capital to provide fresh perspectives and new ideas for some of our most difficult challenges.”
Dr. McNeil expressed his honor at being selected for this opportunity: “This fellowship is an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of federal policy and bring that insight back to Downstate to serve our community better.”
Wayne J. Riley, President of Downstate, highlighted Dr. McNeil’s selection as a significant achievement: “His leadership, commitment to equity, and clinical expertise make him a powerful voice in national health policy.”
Osub Ahmed from RWJF noted that for over 50 years, their fellows have gained hands-on experience at the nexus of health, science, and policy: “We look forward to seeing how the 2025-2026 fellows leverage their training to support RWJF’s vision for a future where health is a right.”
Dr. McNeil’s appointment aligns with Downstate’s mission focused on advancing health equity and community-based innovation while providing accessible care to Brooklyn’s residents. His contributions extend beyond academia into national efforts concerning public education and urologic health.
In addition to his roles at Downstate, Dr. McNeil serves on several boards including those dedicated to urological care foundations and cultural heritage centers.
He holds degrees from Morehouse College, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center among others; further complemented by research fellowships at notable institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital.
