Apply to be a Macy Faculty Scholar

A: We recognize that there can be variation from one institution to another in terms of time needed to achieve a particular academic rank. We also recognize that individual circumstances can impact a candidate’s career and life in ways that affect years of service. In part due to these factors, we do not have strict guidelines about eligibility related to rank or years of service. However, because we are looking for early-career candidates in a position to affect real change in their institutions, we assume candidates are likely to be at the assistant professor rank with roughly three to eight years of experience as a faculty member.

A: Yes, you may still apply, but you must be nominated by the dean of the school of medicine or school of nursing. Additionally, the candidate’s project must focus on advancing medical or nursing education. Some of our alumni Scholars are neither physicians nor nurses. Rather, they are non-clinical, education researchers.

A: Yes — numerous Scholars applied for the program more than once before ultimately being selected.

A: Yes, you may nominate one candidate from each school.

A: Eligible candidates must have a doctoral degree (e.g., MD, PhD, DNP, EdD).

A: All candidates must be doctorally prepared at the time the application is received by the Foundation.

A: No, only deans of United States accredited nursing schools, allopathic medical schools, or osteopathic medical schools may nominate a candidate from their faculty.

A: The candidate can of course work in both a school and a medical center, but the nomination must come from the dean of a medical or nursing school and not from the academic medical center.

A: Yes, we recognize that schools of nursing may live or be housed in a broader college / school. Such candidates are eligible to apply. The nomination should come from the dean of the broader college / school.

Benefits-eligible faculty members, as determined by the home institution, are eligible to apply.

A: Yes. However, the decision to nominate a candidate must come from the dean of the school, who is best positioned to determine the most qualified candidate.

A: Please review the program’s full selection criteria. Briefly, a strong candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to a career as an educator in the health professions, show early promise as an educator and leader, have evidence of scholarship in education, and be positioned to directly influence learners in the local environment. The merit of the candidate’s proposed project and its likelihood of influencing national trends in health professions education and, ultimately, the health of the public are also key considerations.

We have a particular interest in hearing from faculty who represent diverse backgrounds. We also are interested in diversity among the institutions where our Scholars work; for example, we strive toward geographical diversity, diversity among populations served, and diversity of institutional mission (e.g., community-based vs. research-intensive). You may reference the Macy Notes blog to learn more about our vision for the second decade of the Macy Faculty Scholars Program.

A: The Our Priorities section of this website lists the principal interests of the Foundation.

A: Only the candidate should fill out and submit the online application

A: The proposed educational project should focus on learners who are either students, graduate students, residents, fellows, or faculty (in their role as educators). In general, we do not support projects that provide continuing education for fully licensed and certified physicians and nurses.

A: Yes, if there is a strong justification for choosing a mentor outside the school, and it can be demonstrated that having an external mentor will not compromise the candidate’s project or impede mentorship and professional development at the candidate’s institution. The candidate must still have the support of the local institution; the nomination must come from the dean of the candidate’s home institution and the candidate will still need a letter of support from the department chair.

A: Yes, it can be and has been done. However, deans and department chairs are often quite busy. The candidate should ensure that, in this circumstance, their mentor will have adequate time to devote to supporting the Scholar and their project.

A: Yes

A: Please pay careful attention to the instructions noted for each type of letter (dean, chair, mentor); we are looking for specific comments in each type of letter. If a letter writer serves in two of the aforementioned capacities, the letter writer has two options: a) combine all elements of the distinct letters into a single letter and upload to one slot and fill the remaining slot with a second “additional letter of support,” or b) have the letter writer write and upload two distinct letters for each of the two roles.

A: Not necessarily. The Macy Faculty Scholars Program supports the time of the individual Scholar. Additional associated costs would be borne by the educational institution or through independent funding. Evidence of strong institutional support, however, will make for a stronger application. All that said, we do not ask for a formal budget during the application phase. Only selected Scholars will be asked to submit a budget.

A: Yes, other funding—be it private, public, or in-kind—may be contributed to the Scholar’s proposed project. This should be noted in the application.

A: Indirect costs are not funded as part of the award. It is expected that the Scholar’s institution will cover indirect costs as an in-kind contribution.

A: No. The home institution is expected to cover fringe benefits.

A: We do not ask applicants to submit a budget. Only those selected for the program will be asked to submit a budget form.

A: Up to $100,000 per year for two years, with an additional $25,000 per year for project support and professional development activities. We recognize that in some cases the award amount may provide for more than 50% protected time. Alternately, if the awarded salary support does not fully cover 50% of a Scholar’s time, we expect the Scholar’s institution to make up the difference to ensure at least 50% protection of the Scholar’s time.

In addition, Scholars will receive funding to participate in a Harvard Macy Institute course, for travel to the Annual Macy Faculty Scholars Meeting, and for other program-related travel. They will also receive mentoring from the National Advisory Committee members and program alumni.

A: In most years, up to five awards will be given annually.