·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp

The application for the 2026–2028 Clinical Scholar in Residence cycle is now open.

The deadline to submit is December 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm CT.

The American College of Surgeons (·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp) offers a two-year onsite fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, healthcare policy, and quality improvement. The ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp Clinical Scholar will work in multiple areas within the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp and to perform research relevant to projects within the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp. Participants will receive extensive mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research from leaders in surgery and healthcare, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with surgeons across the country. During the fellowship, scholars also earn a Master’s degree relevant to their work.

Applicants must have completed two years of clinical training, be a United States citizen, be willing to relocate to Chicago, and obtain approval from their home institution to be considered. 

The goal of the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp Clinical Scholar in Residence Program is to help prepare a surgical resident for a career in academic surgery through a unique, practical research and health policy experience at the American College Surgeons. The program includes the opportunity to earn a Master’s of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) or the Health Services and Outcomes Research through Northwestern University’s Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and the Institute for Healthcare Studies. In addition, the Scholar will be able to participate in resident educational activities through Northwestern University’s department of surgery.  

For any inquiries related to the Clinical Scholars program, email us at cscholars@facs.org.

Program Specifics

Mentorship

The ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp will assign internal mentors to meet regularly with the Scholar. The Scholar will also interact and be mentored by various surgeons affiliated with the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp and the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care from across the country. As mentorship is one of the most important aspects of the fellowship, having guidance from multiple individuals from varied backgrounds will provide the best opportunity for success. In addition, there is a core of ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp staff statisticians and project analysts who will be invaluable resources for the Clinical Scholar in Residence. Information on several of the program’s mentors can be found online. 

In addition, the program hosts the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp Clinical Scholars Speaker Series, a curated event aimed at mentoring and inspiring the next generation of clinical scholars in their research endeavors. Part of a broader mentorship initiative, this series is dedicated to creating a collaborative and educational space for emerging researchers. It provides a platform for esteemed speakers to impart their wisdom and experiences, significantly influencing aspiring scholars in the field.

Master’s in Clinical Investigation (MSCI)

°Õ³ó±ðÌý is designed for physicians with an interest in conducting clinical research. The coursework focuses on biostatistics, epidemiology, decision analysis, clinical trial design, paper and grant writing, peer-reviewing principles, and clinical research ethics. All coursework is done at Northwestern’s downtown campus, which is one block from the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp headquarters. Clinical Scholars who have already completed an equivalent program may be exempt from the MSCI requirement.

Master’s in Health Services and Outcomes Research

The goal of this program is to educate clinicians to become effective health services and outcomes researchers. °Õ³ó±ðÌý will focus on these issues within institutional and healthcare delivery systems, as well as in the external environment that shapes health policy around quality and safety. The program takes approximately two years to complete. All coursework is done at Northwestern’s downtown campus.

Surgical Education

The Scholar will be able to continue his or her surgical education through Northwestern University’s department of surgery by attending the weekly morbidity and mortality conference and grand rounds. Scholars have the opportunity to practice their surgical skills at Northwestern’s Surgical Skills Training Lab. Multiple opportunities for clinical moonlighting exist in the Chicagoland area as well. In addition, the Scholar may be able to take the American Board of Surgery In-Service Training Examination (ABSITE) locally.

NIH Loan Repayment

The Scholar will also have the opportunity to apply for the  which pays up to $70,000 over two years if the applicant is involved in clinical research for at least two years. This program is becoming a highly competitive process, and applications are due in the fall prior to starting the Research Fellowship. Most Clinical Scholars have been awarded this loan repayment.

Location

As the Clinical Scholars work closely with the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp staff and need to complete coursework, it is required that the Clinical Scholar move to Chicago. ·¬ÇÑÉçÇøapp will provide office space in its downtown Chicago headquarters.