Federation of American Hospitals Announces Justin R. Hunter Health Policy Fellowship in Memory of Longtime Patient Advocate, Health Care Champion
Washington, D.C. – The Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) Board of Directors has announced the naming of a prestigious year-long health policy fellowship in memory of the late Justin R. Hunter, formerly of Encompass Health.
Based at FAH’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, the fellowship provides recent graduates of graduate-level programs in public health, public policy, or related fields the opportunity to gain hands-on instruction and experience in health care association policy analysis, communications, and governmental affairs.
The fellowship honors the memory of Justin R. Hunter, who was a pillar of the health care advocacy community in Washington. He was the senior vice president of public policy, legislation, and regulations at Encompass Health and served in multiple capacities in the FAH governance structure, including as a Corresponding Officer, Legal and Operational Policy Committee Chair, and on the Board of Governors. During his 19-year career at Encompass Health, Hunter dedicated himself to ensuring that patients recovering from major injury or illness received high-quality rehabilitation care and health services. His leadership and commitment were instrumental within both organizations. Prior to his employment at Encompass, Hunter practiced law at Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC and worked on Capitol Hill for former Congressman Ed Bryant (R-Tenn.).
“This recognition honors Justin’s enormous legacy as an outstanding advocate for post-acute patient care. Justin’s work and knowledge in the field of rehabilitation hospitals were unmatched. He truly understood the intersection of health policy and patient care, and that legacy will live as this fellowship gives the next generation real-world experience, critical to confronting the health care challenges that lay ahead,” said Mark Tarr, President and CEO of Encompass Health.
“The Federation is honored to create this opportunity for professional development in the name of our colleague and dear friend, Justin Hunter,” Chip Kahn, President and CEO of FAH, said. “This fellowship recognizes and honors Justin’s legacy by cultivating new leaders in health policy, giving them the skills for leadership and a keen understanding of our industry.”
The inaugural Justin R. Hunter Health Policy Fellow for 2024-2025 will be Aidan Clements, who earned his master’s degree in public health from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Aidan also received his undergraduate degree in public health and political science from Tulane University. His fellowship will commence in June 2024 and conclude in May 2025.
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Read the press release here.
