ABMS Research and Education Foundation Announces Research Grant Recipients for 2026-2028

ABMS Research Grant Recipients for 2026-2028

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Research and Education Foundation (REF) recently announced the recipients of its research grants for the period of 2026-2028. A total of $300,000 has been awarded to four independent investigators, each receiving a grant of $75,000 over two years. This initiative is part of ABMS REF's ongoing dedication to fostering innovative research that examines and enhances the processes behind medical certification.

Dr. Martin Pusic, the director of ABMS REF, expressed excitement about this year's grant recipients, stating, "ABMS is devoted to empowering independent researchers to conduct transformative studies that explore the relationship between board certification and patient care. We aim to uncover insights that can refine the very structures, processes, and outcomes associated with medical specialty certification, thus elevating healthcare standards."

The following researchers were honored with grants:

1. Holly Caretta-Weyer, MD, MHPE, Associate Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her project focuses on "From Exposure to Entrustment Mapping Transforming Resident Competency Development for Individualized Pathways in Emergency Medicine Training," which aims to enhance training effectiveness through personalized approaches.

2. Daniel Donoho, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Children’s National Hospital. His investigation, titled "BRIDGE: Building Reliable Insights from Data across Graduate Training to Early Practice," aims to improve the transition of medical graduates into clinical practice by gathering actionable data from their training experiences.

3. Brian Garibaldi, MD, MEHP, Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University, whose study on harnessing EHR data will lead to the development of low-touch assessments of bedside clinical skills. This project aims to leverage existing electronic health record data to evaluate competencies without overwhelming both residents and faculty.

4. Martin Wegman, MD, PhD, MSc, FACEP, Head of Research at the American College of Emergency Physicians. His research titled "Practice-Derived Knowledge Needs in Emergency Medicine: Comparing Millions of AI Clinical Information Queries With ABEM Assessment Blueprints" intends to bridge the gap between AI-driven insights and established certification standards.

These projects will commence on August 31, 2026, and will run for two years, concluding on August 31, 2028. The initiative represents an essential step towards cultivating high standards in medical education and improving healthcare delivery.

ABMS was established in 1933 and plays a pivotal role in creating and implementing standards that govern physician certification in the United States. The organization is focused on ensuring that physicians are qualified to provide the highest quality care to their patients, families, and communities. With more than a million physicians certified across various specialties, the work of the ABMS is fundamental to maintaining trust and excellence in the medical field.

As ABMS continues to host its grant program annually, additional rounds of requests for proposals are anticipated to be released later this year. This commitment underscores the organization’s ongoing mission to drive advancements in medical education and quality care.

For further information about the ABMS and its initiatives, visit abms.org or contact them at (312) 436-2600.