Erica Solway, PhD, MSW, MPH is Deputy Director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging and Manager of Signature Initiatives and Partnerships at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation (IHPI). She also teaches at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and as part of the National Clinician Scholars Program at IHPI. Previously, Dr. Solway served as a policy advisor with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging where she worked on a range of policy issues including services and supports for older adults, primary care access and the health care workforce, and oral and mental health. Dr. Solway started working for the Subcommittee during her time as a 2011- 2012 Health and Aging Policy Fellow. Before moving to Washington DC, Erica directed a geriatric mental health program and led advocacy efforts around economic security among older adults in San Francisco. Dr. Solway has presented her research at national conferences, conducted interviews with the media, authored numerous reports and peer reviewed publications, and co-edited the book Social Insurance and Social Justice: Social Security, Medicare, and the Campaign Against Entitlements. Erica received her master’s degree in social work and master’s degree in public health as well as a Specialist in Aging certificate from the University of Michigan and doctoral degree in medical sociology from the University of California, San Francisco.
Why I Applied to be a Fellow
"From the moment I read about the program, I knew I wanted to be a Health and Aging Policy Fellow. I applied to be a fellow to learn more about and ultimately be directly involved in the policy process. Before becoming a fellow I was a researcher and a social worker, and I was eager to take what I had learned from my research and the experiences of my clients to inform policy conversations. Becoming a fellow had an enormous impact on my career. I enjoyed my placement experience so much that I accepted a position with my office on the Hill after the fellowship ended and then sought work following my time in DC that would allow me to continue to contribute to policy discussions. I am immensely grateful for my time as a fellow and for the opportunity to continue to be involved in such an outstanding network of leaders in the field committed to improving the health and well-being of older adults."
Program Info
Program Track
Residential
Placement
U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Sub-Committee on Primary Health and Aging
