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ABMS Announces a Record Number of Scholars for 2026-2027 Cohort

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has taken a significant step forward in supporting innovative medical research by selecting 23 outstanding physicians for its esteemed 2026-2027 Scholars Program™. Established with a mission to bolster scholarship and leadership among early-career physicians, this program has gained remarkable traction since its inception in 2014.

Each selected scholar will receive a financial award of $15,000, funding that aims to enhance their research projects that focus on critical topics such as artificial intelligence in medicine, improvements in patient care, and addressing issues of physician burnout. As the need for advanced solutions in healthcare continues to grow, the ABMS recognizes the importance of cultivating young leaders capable of driving positive change.

Greg Ogrinc, MD, MS, who serves as the Senior Vice President for Certification Standards and Programs at ABMS, expressed his enthusiasm for the increasing number of applicants, noting, "The growing pool of candidates and the record number of grant recipients signify a rising recognition of research addressing board certification and physician assessment challenges. The insights generated by these talented scholars will play a vital role in enhancing certification programs and ultimately improving patient outcomes."

Selection Criteria and Program Structure

Scholars are chosen based on the quality and relevance of their proposed research projects in relation to the ABMS mission and the certification landscape. To succeed, proposed projects must demonstrate the potential for significant progress during the scholarship year.

Participants will remain at their home institutions, allowing them to continue their clinical duties while dedicating time for research. Each scholar will collaborate with chosen mentors and will have the opportunity to partake in monthly virtual sessions. These sessions are designed to provide updates, peer networking, and facilitate discussions involving subject matter experts and ABMS Scholar alumni.

The 2026-2027 cohort is uniquely positioned to contribute to their respective fields, culminating in a presentation of their research findings at the prominent IBMS Conference in 2027 before a national audience.

Notable Projects and Scholars

Among the selected scholars, the projects they will undertake are as diverse as they are impactful:

• - Erin Finn, MD from the University of North Carolina is set to develop a competency-based assessment tool for point-of-care ultrasound in heart failure management.
• - Sadia Ilyas, MD, representing the University of California San Diego, will explore the structural features influencing physician well-being and engagement in quality improvement initiatives.
• - Adam Johnson, MD, MPH, from Duke University, aims to empower clinicians to evaluate patient-centered outcomes related to chronic limb-threatening ischemia through electronic health record data.
• - Hyunjoo Ko, MD, affiliated with Mount Sinai Hospital, will be investigating an AI-administered constructed-response assessment method for clinical reasoning in anesthesiology.

These projects exemplify a commitment to addressing contemporary issues faced by healthcare professionals and improving patient care through innovative research. The research rigor and application of findings promise advancements not only in the individuals' skills but also in the broader medical community.

Co-Sponsorship

The ABMS Scholars Program is co-sponsored by the ABMS Research and Education Foundation (ABMS-REF) alongside various ABMS Member Boards. This cooperative effort indicates a strong commitment across specialties to promote research that enhances the competence and confidence of healthcare providers.

Registered organizations include those in fields such as pediatric medicine, radiology, and surgery, among others. They will offer their expertise in collaboration with the scholars, further enriching the program's educational landscape.

Conclusion

As the ABMS prepares to welcome this record cohort of scholars, the excitement surrounding the potential impacts of their research underscores the importance of continued support for medical education and research initiatives. The ABMS’s dedication to enhancing the quality of training for physicians aligns with its broader commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for patients and communities across the United States. For more information about the program and to follow the scholars' journey, visit abms.org.