Summer 2024 Fellow: Elizabeth Evers
Office Description
The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) advises the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on policy development in health, disability, human services, data, and science; and provides advice and analysis on economic policy. The ASPE leads special initiatives; coordinates the Department’s evaluation, research, and demonstration activities; and manages cross-Department planning activities such as strategic planning, legislative planning, and review of regulations. Integral to this role, the ASPE conducts research and evaluation studies; develops policy analyses; and estimates the cost and benefits of policy alternatives under consideration by the Department or Congress.
The Office of Health Policy (HP) provides a cross-cutting policy perspective that bridges Departmental programs, public and private sector activities, and the research community, in order to develop, analyze, coordinate and provide leadership on health policy issues for the Secretary. HP carries out this mission by conducting policy, economic and budget analyses, assisting in the development and review of regulations, assisting in the development and formulation of budgets and legislation, assisting in survey design efforts, as well as conducting and coordinating research, evaluation, and information dissemination on issues relating to health policy.
Description of the Work
Our office works on a variety of topics that cover the spectrum of health policy in the country. Examples of topics include health equity, maternal health, drug pricing, and patient-centered outcomes.
Desired Skills
Interns and fellows who have strong interpersonal and communication skills (e.g., oral presentations, writing literature summaries, etc.) are more likely to succeed. In addition, individuals who can work independently as well as part of a team are valued.