To be eligible, applicants must be physicians or dentists from historically disadvantaged backgrounds (ethnic, financial, or educational) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application deadline; have excelled in their education; are now completing or have completed their formal clinical training; are prepared to devote four consecutive years to research; are committed to pursuing academic careers; and are committed to improving the health status of the underserved, decreasing health disparities, or serving as role models for students and faculty from historically disadvantaged backgrounds Preference will be given to physicians and dentists who have recently completed their formal clinical training. In order to pursue the advanced research training required by this program, applicants must identify faculty mentors with whom a research plan will be developed. The mentor’s experience in the supervision of trainees and the adequacy of the mentor’s research environment and support will be strongly considered. Once these linkages have been established, the applicant and proposed mentor may begin the application process.

Eligibility FAQs

I have a green card and expect to apply for U.S. citizenship within a year. Am I eligible for this program?
You must have U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident at the time of the application deadline.

There is already an MMFDP Fellow or AMFDP Scholar at my institution. May I still apply?
Yes.

I have a Ph.D. and am engaged in biomedical research at a medical school. Am I eligible?
No. You must have an M.D. or equivalent, or a D.D.S. to be eligible. Please see Links.

I have a K award. Am I eligible?
We have no restrictions on our applicants or awardees having K awards. However, the NIH may, depending on the Institute, disallow applications by AMFDP Scholars. If there is any doubt, please contact the specific Institute at NIH and the AMFDP National Program Office for guidance on the timing of your application and/or the start date of your grant.

I am an Associate Professor. Am I eligible?
This program is intended for those just beginning their academic careers. In some cases, particularly in dentistry, those at this level may be eligible.  In most cases in medicine, those at the Associate Professor level are far enough along in their careers not to need the kind of mentored experience this program provides.  Please contact the National Program Office to discuss eligibility if you have any questions.

I am an Assistant Professor. Am I eligible?
If you have been at the Assistant Professor level for only one or two years, you are still eligible for the program. If you have been at that level longer than two years, see the question above.

May I reapply if I have applied in the past?
Yes. In most cases we will have retained your transcripts. All other application materials will have to be new.