In the past, you served on the health committee staff for the California State Assembly, where you authored and coordinated Medi-Cal legislation and supported oversight of health reform implementation. What drew you to public service?

Lots of inspiration from my family, faith, and patients. Public policy and the performance of government institutions impact the lives of every American, including our most vulnerable. We need to care for those least able to care for themselves while also expanding opportunities for the next generation.     

Each fellow typically spends a year as a full-time, paid special assistant to a top-ranking government official. Can you discuss some of the details of your assignment?

I am serving as White House Fellow/special assistant to the secretary of defense. I’ve had the privilege of working on a broad portfolio of duties. While I can’t elaborate on the details of my work, a few areas have included the Ebola response, technology and defense innovation.

Above all, I am most amazed by our men and women in uniform. Our service members and their families sacrifice enormously to defend our nation; it has been a privilege to spend a little bit of time with them and learn more about their leadership and courage.

Can you offer some tips or suggestions for prospective fellows?

Fellows come from very diverse professional backgrounds, and there is no single prerequisite experience needed to apply. Many applied with no prior experience in government. There is no predetermined quota of career tracks but physicians and/or scientists are usually represented each year.

With the rich tradition of leadership, innovation and problem-solving here at Stanford and throughout the Department of Medicine, it is no surprise that our community has innumerable avenues for public service. Before applying, think carefully about your personal and professional goals, whether the White House Fellowship is the best fit for what you hope to accomplish, and what you hope to contribute to government service. There are many great opportunities to participate in federal, state or local government, as well as in public service missions outside government. They offer different possibilities in terms of specific issue areas, mentorship and career development and should all be explored.

The White House Fellows Program provides an incredible opportunity to work closely with leaders at the highest levels of our government and to learn from extraordinary co-fellows and alumni, many of whom will become national leaders. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the appointment is in the federal government and requires you to move away from your current professional life to Washington, D.C. The work is full time and in addition to the formal work demands, there are also many after-hours commitments. 

For interested applicants, the online written application is released in early November and is due in mid-January. Be true to yourself and use the application process to reflect on your life, ideals and aspirations, which is a valuable exercise no matter your future path. Clearly communicate your commitment to public service and what you hope to accomplish and contribute during your appointment as a White House Fellow. Regional finalists will participate in regional panel interviews in the spring, and national finalists will travel to Washington, D.C., in early June for “selection weekend,” which consists of three evenings and two days of interviews with members of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Travel and lodging are provided.

At each interview stage, it is especially important to articulate your vision clearly and to stay up to date on current events. Most importantly, be yourself and take time to meet, support and learn from the diverse group of individuals sharing this journey with you. Ultimately, this whole experience is only one step, and your journey will truly matter more than the destination. 

Education and community service are key components of the White House Fellows Program. What talks, service projects or travel opportunities stand out in your mind as particularly exceptional?

Twice a week, the White House Fellows host a roundtable discussion with a high-level government, political or private-sector leader. These conversations are off-the-record and are a wonderful opportunity to have candid, personal discussions about leadership. We’ve had outstanding conversations with Bob Woodward, Colin Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey, FBI Director James Comey, Congressman John Lewis, and the First Lady, as well as meetings with the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

The fellows participate in a community-service project each month. Two of the most memorable were helping to build a new playground for underserved children in downtown Washington, D.C., and serving lunch to veterans and their families receiving care at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Another privilege is learning from my military classmates. Each White House Fellow’s cohort includes military service members, and this year 8 out of the 15 Fellows are active-duty service members or veterans.

I’ve also had the opportunity to travel both for my assignment and with my White House Fellows cohort. During these trips, we’ve visited military bases to meet with service members and their families; spent the night on an aircraft carrier at sea to learn about naval and flight operations; traveled to New Orleans to learn about disaster response and post-Hurricane Katrina business, education and health care system recovery efforts; and visited Prague to study U.S. foreign policy and democratic transitions.

An important part of the White House Fellows Program is to “repay the privilege, and contribute to the nation as future leaders” once you become an alumnus. What are some ways you hope to achieve this?

I aspire to meet unmet patient needs, serve vulnerable populations and help expand opportunities for the next generation. This includes helping to achieve a more accessible, innovative and high-performing healthcare system for all Americans. More generally, I want to help organizations that serve patients innovate and create jobs to perform better. I am also committed to mentoring and teaching, and I will always be passionate about that.