The pace of change of acute care delivery in the United States requires trained physicians with the skills to manage, lead, and improve care. Twenty-first century leaders require deep knowledge of not only care delivery, but also of data, analysis, business of medicine, and the human skills to serve as a leader, coach, and change agent. As promising physicians move from residency to practice to leadership roles, developing appropriate human, analytical, and leadership skills are increasingly necessary in this dynamic environment.

The USACS Fellowship in Clinical Innovation will provide a 1-year, mentored experience for budding leaders with such an experience. The overall goal is to train and retain the next generation of USACS leaders and innovators in hospital medicine.

The one-year experience will involve several program components:

• A national role in the USACS Chief Medical Officer leadership and Integrated Acute Care A single 1:1 national mentor will be assigned for each fellow based on interests. This will involve:
  • Participation in CMO and IAC team calls
  • Participation in CMO and IAC team projects in various spheres
  • Opportunity for leadership role one or more CMO and IAC team innovation projects (e.g., development of novel payment / care models)
  • Participation in national-level committees
  • Writing opportunities (research, blogs, online articles, podcasts, other media)
  • Opportunities for preparation and delivery of educational offerings within USACS’ online portal
  • Other national opportunities as established by the National Mentor
  • Possible projects may include:
    • Telemedicine
    • Operationalizing Alternative Payment Models
    • Acute care population management
    • Technology innovation
  • A local site role with one or more local/regional mentors who will work with the Fellow to develop and implement innovative local programs
    • Participation in local committees
    • Opportunity for leadership role on one or more local innovation projects
    • Opportunity to attend high level meetings with hospital/system relationships
    • Other local opportunities as approved by the National Mentor
  • Participation in a longitudinal educational curriculum and discussion group focused on innovation including group discussions of selected readings
  • Clinical experience in hospital medicine (with a reduced clinical load)
  • Participation in USACS and national didactic programs
    • USACS Assembly Meetings 2x/year
    • Engagement and Experience Academy Full course
    • Efficiency Academy
    • AHM National meetings
    • Other educational opportunities tailed to the fellow's needs

Upon completion of the 1-year fellowship, the newly-graduated fellow will have the opportunity to be considered for a progressive leadership position within USACS and will be able to continue participation in CMO and IAC team meetings and national-level projects. Fellows may also choose to pursue additional outside degree programs. However, this is optional and should not interfere with administrative responsibilities of the fellowship.

Eligibility

• Successful completion of an Internal Medicine residency program
• Board-certification / board-eligibility in internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine
• U.S. Citizenship

APPLICATIONS