ABMS Scholars Program Seeks to Shape the Future of Medicine

CHICAGO, IL – March 30, 2026 – The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has officially opened applications for its 2026-2027 Scholars Program, a prestigious one-year initiative designed to empower the next generation of medical leaders and researchers. While the program provides a $15,000 grant, its true value lies in its comprehensive approach to professional development, aiming to shape not only individual careers but the future standards of patient care and health equity in the United States.

Since its inception in 2014, the part-time program has supported 95 early-career physicians, fellows, residents, and researchers. It provides a unique platform for participants to conduct impactful research, develop a robust professional network, and engage directly with the leaders setting the standards for over one million certified medical specialists nationwide.

A Catalyst for Early-Career Medical Leaders

For many aspiring medical researchers, securing initial funding is a significant hurdle. Large federal grants from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) often involve lengthy, complex application processes that can be daunting for those early in their careers. The ABMS Scholars Program fills a crucial gap by offering a more accessible pathway to research support.

The $15,000 grant, intended to cover research and travel expenses, can be applied to a new project or add a new dimension to existing work. While modest compared to multi-year federal awards, its significance is magnified by the program's structure. The application process is described by alumni as refreshingly straightforward, allowing emerging talent to focus on the substance of their ideas rather than navigating bureaucratic red tape. This seed funding often serves as a critical stepping stone, enabling scholars to generate preliminary data and build a track record that can unlock larger funding opportunities later in their careers.

Beyond the financial support, the program is a powerful career accelerator. Participants remain at their home institutions but are integrated into a national community of peers and mentors, gaining visibility and credibility that can be transformative at a pivotal career stage.

Targeting Health Equity and a Diverse Workforce

A defining feature of the ABMS Scholars Program is its explicit focus on addressing society's most pressing health challenges. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed research will contribute to reducing health disparities and fostering a more qualified and diversified healthcare workforce. This commitment moves beyond academic exercise, positioning the program as an engine for social change within medicine.

This focus is a key priority for the ABMS Research and Education Foundation (ABMS–REF) and the 15 co-sponsoring ABMS Member Boards, which include specialties ranging from Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine to Surgery and Radiology. The program actively seeks projects that can lead to tangible improvements in care for underserved populations. Past research topics have been ambitious and impactful, with one notable project exploring the "Representation of Indigenous Peoples in the Pediatrics and Pediatric Subspecialty Workforce," directly tackling an issue of diversity and representation within the medical field.

By embedding health equity into its core criteria, the ABMS ensures that its next generation of leaders is equipped with the mindset and research experience necessary to build a more just and inclusive healthcare system. This approach acknowledges that improving patient care is intrinsically linked to addressing the systemic inequities that affect health outcomes.

More Than Money: The Power of Mentorship and Networks

Perhaps the most lauded component of the ABMS Scholars Program is the intensive mentorship and unparalleled networking it provides. The program is structured to create a supportive and collaborative ecosystem that extends well beyond the one-year term. Each scholar works with a self-selected mentor at their home institution, ensuring personalized guidance tailored to their specific project and career goals.

This core mentorship is supplemented by monthly webinar sessions where scholars present their progress and receive constructive feedback from peers, subject matter experts, program alumni, and ABMS leaders. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, helping participants overcome research barriers and refine their methodologies. Alumni consistently praise this supportive network as one of the program's most valuable assets.

Furthermore, scholars are given unique access to the inner workings of the ABMS. They participate in virtual committee meetings, Member Board Executive Forums, and Stakeholder Council Meetings. This immersion allows them to understand how medical policy and certification standards are developed and debated at the national level. The program culminates with scholars presenting their findings before a national audience at the annual ABMS Conference, providing a platform to disseminate their work and connect with thought leaders from across the medical landscape.

Strengthening Standards from the Ground Up

The research conducted by ABMS Scholars is not merely academic; it is designed to feed directly back into the ABMS's core mission of improving physician certification and the quality of patient care. By funding research in areas like diagnostic excellence, physician wellness, and competency-based medical education, the program ensures that certification standards remain evidence-based and responsive to the evolving needs of modern medicine.

The deep involvement of 15 co-sponsoring Member Boards—from the American Board of Anesthesiology to the American Board of Urology—ensures that the research is relevant to the specific challenges and priorities within different specialties. This partnership model creates a virtuous cycle: the boards help fund and guide research that, in turn, provides the evidence needed to advance their fields. Additional support from partners like the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which sponsors two scholars focused on diagnostic excellence, further amplifies the program's impact on specific, high-priority areas of patient safety.

Interested early-career physicians and researchers have until 11:59 pm (CT) on June 22, 2026, to submit their applications. An informational webinar will be held on April 28, 2026, to provide further details and answer questions. With its unique blend of funding, mentorship, and strategic focus, the ABMS Scholars Program continues to be a vital force in cultivating the leaders who will define the future of American medicine.