Record Number of Medical Scholars Announced by ABMS for 2025-2026
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has made headlines by selecting a remarkable cohort of eighteen scholars for its 2025-2026 Scholars Program™. This initiative, which began in 2014, is designed to support the development of early-career physicians and researchers as they embark on projects focused on board certification and scholarly leadership. Each participant in this program is rewarded with a financial grant of $15,000, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering the next generation of medical leaders.
The Significance of the Program
According to Dr. Greg Ogrinc, Senior Vice President of Certification Standards and Programs at ABMS, the increase in the number of selected scholars is a testament to the dedication and talent present in the certification community. He stated, "We are pleased to support this record-setting number of ABMS Scholars, all dedicated to advancing research and scholarship across the board certification community." With support from various sponsors, including numerous ABMS Member Boards, the program aims to invest in future leaders in medicine.
The scholars were chosen based on the quality and relevance of their proposed research projects, along with their potential for significant contributions during the Scholar year. Participants retain their positions at their home institutions while they collaborate with chosen mentors and engage in monthly virtual sessions. These sessions provide opportunities for scholars to share updates on their research projects with peers, mentors, subject matter experts, and ABMS alumni.
Diverse Research Projects
The selected scholars come from a variety of medical disciplines, reflecting the program's broad scope. Noteworthy projects include:
- - Dr. Ruchi Thanawala from Oregon Health and Science University, working on a project titled Self-Assessment: The Hidden Competency Underpinning CBE.
- - Dr. Daniel Sartori from New York University, who focuses on implementing an AI-informed diagnostic performance feedback system for internal medicine residents.
- - Dr. Maria Martinez-Lage Alvarez of Harvard Medical School, exploring virtual sign-out as a competency-based assessment pilot in neuropathology.
Other scholars are delving into areas such as integrating technology in surgical training, enhancing clinical readiness in medical physics, and various aspects of competency-based medical education. Each project underscores the intersection of advanced technology and medical education aimed at improving patient care outcomes.
The Path Forward
As this cohort prepares to kick off their initiatives in September 2025, they will contribute significantly to their respective areas before culminating their projects at the ABMS Conference in 2026, where they will present their findings to a national audience. The support and exposure provided by ABMS not only facilitate the growth of emerging scholars but also drive important innovations in the medical field.
Ultimately, the ABMS's commitment to leadership development through its Scholars Program is poised to enhance the quality of care provided by certified physicians nationwide. Through collaborative efforts and groundbreaking research, these scholars will undoubtedly shape the future of medicine and patient care in the years to come.
In conclusion, the ABMS continues to play an essential role in supporting research and innovation in medical education and practice. By backing such projects and recognizing the efforts of young professionals, the organization inspires a new wave of leaders to rise to the challenges of modern healthcare.
For further information regarding ABMS and its initiatives, please visit
ABMS's official website.