NAM Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence

The 2022-23 Call for Applications will open on January 5, 2022.

Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, this collaborative program between the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) is designed to advance equity and develop a cadre of leaders who can drive implementation of effective strategies to raise awareness of diagnosis in medicine, support diagnostic excellence, and reduce diagnostic errors at the national level.  Up to 10* scholars are selected by an NAM-appointed advisory committee to participate in this one-year, part-time remote experience to enhance their knowledge and skills in diagnostic quality and safety, and accelerate their career development in becoming national leaders in the field.

The program seeks exceptional individuals who are interested in focusing on diagnosis-related work from a broad range of disciplines and professions — including physicians, advanced practice clinicians, quality experts, informaticians, and researchers.  The program specifically encourages applications from underrepresented groups in medicine.  For more information, visit the program website at dxexscholars.nam.edu.

*With additional support from the John A. Hartford Foundation, an 11th scholar with a focus on advancing equity and diagnostic excellence for older adults may be selected.

Eligibility

The program seeks exceptional individuals who:

• Have earned a doctoral degree* in a relevant discipline and completed all post-graduate training
• Have confirmation from academic department, health system, or equivalent that they have— and can dedicate— sufficient time to participate in the NAM Scholars’ program activities and complete their proposed program in the allotted time

Selection Criteria

Scholars will be selected by an NAM-appointed advisory committee through a national competition on basis of:

• Record of relevant professional accomplishments and demonstrated leadership in the applicant’s field
• Potential to advance diagnostic excellence, including diagnostic safety, quality, and equity, and make significant contributions at the national level to reduce diagnostic errors that lead to patient harm
• The quality and feasibility of the applicant’s program proposal
• A concise plan for evaluation, dissemination, and implementation of the applicant’s proposed program where applicable (e.g., institution, care setting, professional society) during the one-year program and beyond

Application Materials

A complete application packet must be submitted electronically, and will include the following documents:

• Applicant form
• A biosketch (no more than 5 pages)
• A letter from the applicant’s institution or specialty/professional society describing the assistance for implementation and/or dissemination of the applicant’s proposal they intend to provide
• At least one (1) letter of recommendation from individual(s) who can attest to the applicant’s professional achievements, demonstrated leadership and scholarship, contributions to his/her specialty/discipline, and potential for leadership in diagnostic excellence or to drive diagnostic excellence
• A detailed program proposal intended to improve clinical diagnosis (no more than 3 pages), which includes:
• A one- to two-paragraph proposal summary within the 3-page limit
• Background; proposed solution/implementation; objectives; proposed activities; proposed outcomes; evaluation, dissemination and implementation plan; and specific reference to how it relates to or forwards a National Academies recommendation for improving diagnosis, as noted above, when applicable

Program Administrator

Inquiries about the NAM Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence should be directed to:

Yumi Phillips
Program Officer
Health Policy Fellowships and Leadership Programs
National Academy of Medicine
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 334-1506
Email: yphillips@nas.edu / NAM.Scholars@nas.edu