Duke NCSP Application FAQs

The 2024-2026 Cohort Application cycle is now open! Application deadline is July 17, 2023.

 

2023 NCSP Admissions Timeline: May 1, 2023 Online application opens, July 17, 2023 Deadline for receipt of applications 5 pm PT, Aug. 21-Sep. 29, 2023 Invited applicants are interviewed remotely, Oct. 2, 2023 Interviewed applicants submit site preferences 5 pm PT, Late Oct.-early Nov. 2023 Admissions notifications issued, July 1, 2024 entry of accepted applicants into the program at participating universities

Who is eligible to apply to the National Clinician Scholars program?

To be eligible for the National Clinician Scholars program, applicants must be:

  • MDs or RNs with a doctoral degree (PhD or DNP)

  • Committed to a career in serving as change agents to improve health and health care

  • Highly regarded by those responsible for their clinical training

  • In completion of the clinical requirements allowing for independent clinical work by the date of entry into the program (except for surgeons)

  • Within 5 years of having completed clinical training at the time of application, if a physician, and within 5 years of having completed the doctoral degree, if a nurse

  • Eligible for or already have a medical license, if a physician

  • Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its territories at the time of application

Desirable attributes of applicants:

  • Demonstrated interest in improving health or the healthcare system

  • Exhibited leadership capabilities

  • Demonstrated ability to develop new ideas and to implement them

  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively with others

  • Record of consistent accomplishment of project activities

  • Previous research experience, published or unpublished

  • Interest in, and/or experience with, community organizations

For all applicants, relevant research experience is a particular strength in the application evaluation process. 100% effort devoted to program activities is a program requirement.

This program embraces diversity and inclusion across multiple dimensions, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. We also encourage applicants from diverse clinical backgrounds. The program strongly encourages applications from candidates who will help us expand the perspectives and experiences we bring to our work, thereby improving our ability to help all Americans live healthier lives and get the care they need.

Visit the National Clinical Scholars Program website to apply now!

Why is this a “National” Program - how are the six sites coordinating their efforts?

  • All sites share a common legacy and vision - to train/inspire agents of change;

  • All sites will include nurses and physicians in interdisciplinary efforts;

  • Strong collaboration across sites not only through recruitment planning and a national meeting but also sharing of critical curricular components;

  • Committed network of advisors as well as alumni from former RWJF CSP;

  • Rigorous assessment/oversight of quality through internal and external evaluation.

Is this the same program as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Clinical Scholars Program?

No. Although the RWJF provided generous support to the Clinical Scholars Program for about 40 years, the Foundation announced a reorganization of its Human Capital Portfolio last year, ending support for their training programs in their current form. The Foundation is in the process of creating new training opportunities, which will be substantively different from the current Clinical Scholars Program, which is based at four university sites and is enrolling its final class in July of 2015. Previously, the place-based Clinical Scholars Program prepared physicians for health services and health policy research. A separate national program prepared nurse faculty leaders. This new program will include both nurses and physicians as trainees.