Physicians Foundation's new program for early-mid career physicians to address social drivers

The Physicians Foundation is accepting applications for its new year-long fellowship program, aimed at next-generation physicians passionate about addressing social determinants of health.

Physicians new or mid-career in practice interested in tackling this area are encouraged to apply. One fellow will be chosen and will receive mentorship from leading experts on social drivers and have a chance to contribute to relevant research, education and grant and policy-making at a national level. The Foundation hopes for someone who can bring fresh ideas to the table.

That social drivers account for most health outcomes has been long known by those working in medicine, Physicians Foundation President Gary Price told Fierce Healthcare. “But mostly we’ve had to ignore it because the problem was too big or it was just beyond the scope of our examination rooms,” he said. “We can’t keep our blinders on anymore as a society—and physicians see this every day right in front of them. I think they have to be a critical part of how we reach the solution.” 

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Through the program, a physician looking to shape the future of healthcare will be equipped with “frontline perspectives” and gain a deeper understanding of the realm of social drivers, Price said. There may also be other opportunities for the fellow to engage in, like the joint research center of the Foundation and Weill Cornell Medicine.

The Physicians Foundation has long been focused on addressing social drivers and has developed measures at the request of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that, if formally approved, will be the first federal acknowledgment of social drivers. If the measures pass later this spring, it will be the first time any data on social drivers becomes a part of the federal system and will have the potential to impact reimbursement for physicians and hospitals doing related work. 

Applications are accepted until March 25.