SOAR Scholar Program

About the Strengthening Outcomes and Assessments in Residency Visiting Scholar Program

SOAR is sponsoring a visiting scholar program at the American Board of Family Medicine and AFMRD. Visiting scholars study the relationship between residency outcomes and education/care delivery/workforce development best practices of family medicine residencies. They also get aid from subject matter experts to propose research questions, analyze residency outcome data, and craft research manuscripts for publication and/or presentation.

The ABFM Foundation provides funding for scholars to visit ABFM for a week-long immersion experience while the AFMRD provides funding to the SOAR Scholar to present their research at the AAFP Residency Leadership Summit or a similar venue.

Applicants should submit a Letter of Interest and a Letter of support by May 15, 2026. Scholars will be notified of acceptance within 6 weeks. The scholar program runs from June through May of each year.  

Visiting Scholar Requirements

Eligible applicants must be a Program Director or Associate Program Director with an active AFMRD membership.

  • Scholars must make a commitment to be in residence at the ABFM in Lexington, KY for 5 consecutive business days (dates are flexible, based on mutual agreement between the scholar and ABFM staff) within 4 months of acceptance.
  • Scholars must participate in a virtual orientation with ABFM staff within 4 weeks of acceptance as well as virtual updates with ABFM staff monthly and communicate periodically with ABFM staff and mentors via conference call, email, or in-person meetings.
  • Scholars are expected to complete their data analysis within 12 months of beginning the program and present their research within 18-24 months of beginning the program.

Note: Travel and lodging expenses will be reimbursed up to $1,200 per meeting, per AFMRD policy. No per diem or family travel expenses are allowed.

Apply

Dear AFMRD Members,

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the SOAR (Strengthening Outcomes and Assessment in Residency) Scholar Program, a unique research opportunity offered through the collaboration of the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors (AFMRD) and the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Foundation. This year, we have two (2) scholar positions available.

This is your chance to advance your scholarship, deepen your understanding of family medicine residency design, and contribute meaningfully to the future of family medicine residency innovation.

WHAT IS THE SOAR SCHOLAR PROGRAM?

The SOAR Scholar Program provides residency leaders with a structured, mentored research experience in partnership with ABFM. Scholars gain access to ABFM and other GME data, expert mentorship, and dedicated time to pursue a research question that matters to you and to the field.

ELIGIBILITY

Applications are open to residency leaders with an active AFMRD member on faculty at their program or in their family medicine department. Eligible roles include:

      • Program Directors
      • Associate Program Directors
      • CCC Chairs
      • PEC Chairs
      • Research Directors
      • Directors of Osteopathic Education
      • Medical Directors
      • Educational/Curriculum and
      • Instruction Directors
      • Residency Program
      • Administrators/Coordinators

Please note: Only one applicant per residency program may apply per cycle.

PROGRAM COMMITMENTS

Selected scholars will be expected to:

      • Complete a 5-consecutive-business-day in-person residency at the ABFM in Lexington, KY within 4 months of acceptance (dates are flexible and set by mutual agreement)
      • Attend a virtual orientation with ABFM staff
      • Participate in regular updates and ongoing communication with ABFM staff and mentors
      • Complete data analysis within 12 months of program start
      • Present research within 18 to 24 months of beginning the program (funded by AFMRD)

Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed per AFMRD policy. Per diem and family travel expenses are not covered.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Your application must include a letter of support from your Program Director, Department Chair, Designated Institutional Official, or GME Chair acknowledging your time away from the program for the Lexington, KY residency and protected time for project work at your home institution.

SELECTION PROCESS

SOAR Staff will review all applications within 4 weeks of the application cycle closure to confirm fit of research interests to the SOAR aims. The AFMRD Board of Directors will then review confirmed applications to select the two SOAR Scholars.

DEADLINE

Applications are due May 15, 2026.

We strongly encourage you to apply, or to share this opportunity with a colleague who would be an excellent candidate. We believe the AFMRD community is full of talented residency leaders that can help identify key drivers for future success.

For full program details and to apply, click HERE. 

Questions? Contact us at help@fmsoar.org or Jay Fetter at 877-223-7437.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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