AAFP Seeks Candidates for 2020-2021 Health Equity Fellowship

The AAFP, in conjunction with the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, is seeking applicants for the 2020-2021 Health Equity Fellowship, which is now in its third year. In light of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAFP's Center for Diversity and Health Equity has extended the application deadline to Oct. 1 to give interested parties additional time to apply.

Currently, interested members can apply to one of three tracks: rural health, academic medicine or traditional family medicine. Each track features curriculum, faculty and events tailored to address a topic of significant relevance to family medicine.

"The goal of the program is to cultivate a cohort of family medicine physicians as subject matter experts capable of driving policy and system changes that produce equitable health outcomes in their local communities and across primary care," said Danielle Jones, M.P.H., director of the Academy's Center for Diversity and Health Equity. "The ideal candidate for this fellowship is someone who has the motivation, time and institutional support to complete all elements of the program, including monthly meetings and travel."

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible fellowship applicants must be:

• AAFP active members, especially those from population groups underrepresented in medicine and/or those practicing in rural communities;
• in practice or on teaching faculty (program directors or associate program directors are eligible); and
• out of residency and fellowship.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest. The letter of interest should be fewer than 500 words and must include

• an explanation of why the applicant wants to be a Health Equity Fellow, including a discussion of the applicant's major strengths and qualifications;
• an explanation of how the fellowship experience will impact the applicant's career goals and direction;
• information on how the applicant will contribute to the development of health equity at the local, regional or national level -- in conjunction with their employer, if appropriate;
• information regarding the applicant's experience and or contributions in the field of health equity, either through professional work or community or volunteer service, and how those efforts will contribute to the fellowship experience; and
• plans for continued development of health equity leadership skills after fellowship completion.

Applicants must also complete the AAFP's conflict of interest form (select Option 2) and submit a letter of recommendation from someone familiar with the applicant's knowledge, skills and ability to contribute to health equity.