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 includes the virtual Fall session October 5-9, 2026, monthly virtual sessions November-April, and ends with the in-person Spring session May 3-7, 2026 (Boston).
• Funding: Full tuition, travel, and accommodations will be funded (up to $10,000)
• Example Course Objectives:
  • Evaluate and apply evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance adult learning
  • Utilize leadership techniques that foster a culture of acceptance and readiness for change
  • Assess and report the impact of educational innovation, using insights to guide future advancements
  • Strategically design and implement effective curricular changes that anticipate and adapt to evolving educational needs
  • Develop and implement strategic plans for sustainable educational innovation within institutions
  • Reflect on one’s career path and professional development, embracing lifelong growth and adaptability as an educational leader

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 your interest in attending the course, how it aligns with their professional goals, 1-3 goals you hope to achieve by participating, and how you plan to apply the knowledge/skills gained within the education mission at VTCSOM/CC.
• Project Proposal (maximum 500 words) – Applicants must identify a specific issue or institutional challenge, that they will work on during the course. The project should align with VTCSOM’s education mission of VTCSOM and Carilion Clinic This should include:
  • Project Title
  • Focus of the Project – The primary question, concern, or issue the project addresses.
  • 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.
  • Project Outcomes – Outcome(s) that will define success for the project. The plan to measure those outcomes.
• Target Population – Undergraduate, graduate, continuing professional development
• Educational Focus Area – (select only one) 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: CLOSED

Selected applicants will be notified by May 11, 2022. Once notified, applicant is responsible for submitting all application materials to the Harvard Macy Institute’s online application portal by May 27, 2026.

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