The 2009 online application system opens February 6, 2009. Please visit the AMFDP Web site for the online application.
ASH-AMFDP
The shortage of minority scholars in the field of hematology is an issue that affects not only hematologists, but the medical community at large. In keeping with the goals of ASH’s strategic plan, the Society is pleased to announce the ASH-AMFDP – a partnership between the American Society of Hematology and the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program (AMFDP) of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The goal of the partnership is to increase the number of underrepresented minority scholars from the field of hematology with academic and research appointments. The ASH-AMFDP joins the Minority Medical Student Award Program (MMSAP) as the second component of the ASH Minority Recruitment Initiative.
The 2009 ASH-AMFDP recipient is Alejandro Gutierrez, MD.
Program Details
For more than 20 years, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has sought to reduce the underrepresentation of minority scholars in academic medicine through their Minority Medical Faculty Development Program, which was created to assist faculty from historically disadvantaged backgrounds achieve senior rank in academic medicine. The program was recently renamed and expanded in honor of Harold Amos, PhD, who was the first African-American to chair a department, now the Department of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, at the Harvard Medical School.
The AMFDP offers four-year postdoctoral research awards to historically disadvantaged physicians who are committed to developing careers in academic medicine and to serving as role models for students and faculty of similar backgrounds. The program defines "historically disadvantaged" individuals as those who face challenges because of their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other similar factors.
Through the ASH-AMFDP, ASH is committed to funding at least one AMFDP hematology scholar per year. Upon being chosen for the award, each scholar will spend at least 70 percent of his or her time in research activities in association with a senior faculty member located at an academic medical center. Both the mentor and the chosen scholar will be an active part of the research activities and the AMFDP activities.
Program Benefits
The ASH-AMFDP Award provides four years of research support, including an annual stipend of up to $75,000 and an annual grant of $30,000 toward the support of research activities. Applicants to the ASH-AMFDP program are responsible for identifying a mentor at their institutions to work with them and give them research and career guidance. ASH-AMFDP Scholars are also assigned a National Advisory Committee mentor to follow their progress within the program and give them guidance. Recipients will be invited to the AMFDP annual meeting each year with travel expenses covered by the grant. The recipient's mentor is expected to attend the meeting for the first two years of the grant; travel costs are reimbursed by the AMFDP.
The recipients of the ASH-AMFDP award will receive all the benefits that come with the AMFDP award as well as complimentary ASH membership, which includes a subscription to the ASH journal Blood. The Scholar will also have the opportunity to attend the ASH annual meeting for the four years of the award. The costs of economy travel, four-night hotel stay, and $100 per day for meals will be covered by ASH.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, applicants must be:
- From historically disadvantaged backgrounds
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application deadline
- Completing or have completed their formal clinical training
Additionally, applicants must have excelled in their education; be prepared to devote four consecutive years to research; and be committed to academic careers, improving the health status of the underserved, and decreasing health disparities.
Application
The 2009 Call for Applications will be available February 6, 2009. To view the 2008 Call for Applications, please visit the AMFDP Web site.
General Timeline:
| Deadline for receipt of completed online application | March 12, 2009, 8pm EST (5pm PST) |
| Deadline for postmark of all supporting documents and hard copies | March 13, 2009 |
| Interviews with the National Advisory Committee in Washington | July 22-24, 2009 |
| Official Notification of Scholars | December 2009 |
Questions
Questions regarding the ASH-AMFDP should be directed to Elisa Shea, ASH Awards Manager, at 202-776-0544.