Call for Applications - Professional Development Opportunity

Harvard Macy Institute Professional Development Opportunity

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and leadership at Virginia Tech Carilion/Carilion Clinic are pleased to announce a fully-funded professional development opportunity for faculty educators committed to advancing their careers in medical education.  We are seeking applications from individuals interested in participating in the Harvard Macy Institute’s “Educators in the Health Professions” course—a prestigious program designed to enhance teaching, leadership, and scholarship in medical and health professions education.

Program Details

• Course: Harvard Macy Institute - Educators in the Health Professions
• Location: Hybrid Format (virtual, in-person), Harvard Macy Institute, Boston, MA
• Dates: The program begins October 6-10, 2025 (virtual sessions), and ends May 4-8, 2026 (in person, Boston). Monthly virtual sessions will be held October-May.
• Funding: Full tuition, travel, and accommodations will be funded (up to $10,000)
• Example Course Objectives (from 2024-25):
  • Evaluate how adults learn and incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies and other methods that enhance learning
  • Identify the elements of effective curriculum design and plan strategically for curricular change
  • Identify leadership styles that increase the likelihood of acceptance to change
  • Develop organizational plans strategically for educational innovations
  • Develop skills to deal productively with conflicting responses and resistance to change
  • Incorporate the educational innovations designed within your organization
  • Evaluate the success of your innovative educational project
  • Report the effectiveness and success of your educational innovation to your organization

Eligibility

• Two faculty members will be selected, of which at least one will be faculty in a clinical department of Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine/Carilion Clinic. This selection strategy aims to foster collaboration between the two individuals both during and after the program.
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to medical education and a desire to apply their learning to enhance educational programs within their institution.
• Applicants must have the support of their direct supervisor(s) to fully commit to all program dates (virtual and in person) and the described project.

Application Process

The internal application process will include the same documentation that is required for the formal application process for the Harvard Macy Institute – Educators in the Health Professions courses (except for personal statement). Once selected as the final two applicants, the same files will be submitted to the Harvard Macy Institute application site. Applicants must submit the following:

• A personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining their interest in attending the course, how it aligns with their professional goals, and how they plan to apply the knowledge/skills gained within the education mission at VTCSOM.
• Project Proposal – Applicants must identify a specific institutional challenge, issue, or project they will work on during the course. The project should align with the institutional objectives of VTCSOM and Carilion Clinic This should include:
  • Project Title
  • Focus of the Project – The primary question, concern, or issue the project addresses (e.g., teaching and learning environments, assessment strategies, technology applications, clinical delivery system improvements).
  • Project Goals – Clearly defined objectives (1-3 specific goals).
  • Brief Project Methods – Overview of the approach or strategies to be used.
  • Scope of Impact – The number and type of individuals affected (faculty, learners, staff, etc.).
  • Project Setting – Where the project will be conducted (e.g., classroom, clinic, hospital ward).
  • Key Stakeholders & Institutional Support – Individuals or departments involved and influencing the project.
  • Anticipated Barriers – Challenges that may arise during implementation.
  • Target Population – Undergraduate, graduate, continuing professional development
  • Educational Focus Area – Teaching, curriculum design, faculty development, assessment, educational technology, etc.
• Letter of Support – From your department chair or equivalent endorsing participation (with a full commitment to support full participation in the program, inclusive of clinical expectations) and project feasibility.
• Current CV or Résumé

Selection Process

A selection committee will review and assess all applications using a standardized rubric based on the following criteria.

• The anticipated impact of the proposed project in both the short- and long-term within the education mission (e.g., undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education, continuing medical education, health professions education).
• The applicant’s commitment to educational excellence.
• The applicant’s leadership potential as a faculty educator.

Deadline to Apply: March 10^th, 2025, Close of Business

Selected applicants will be notified by March 24, 2025. Once notified, application materials will be submitted to the Harvard Macy Institute’s online application portal by the Office of Educational Affairs.

Submit Applications to: Alania Guerry, Manager, Office of Educational Affairs (malaina@vt.edu).  For questions, please contact Alania Guerry, Manager, Office of Educational Affairs (malaina@vt.edu). 

We encourage all eligible faculty and staff to apply for this exciting opportunity to impact medical education at VTCSOM/Carilion Clinic and develop as educators and leaders in the health professions.