AAFP Senior Scholar in Residence at Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are seeking applicants for the position of AAFP Senior Scholar in Residence at AHRQ. The goals of AHRQ are to enhance the quality, effectiveness and appropriateness of health care services and to improve access to that care.

The Senior Scholar’s position is for six months on a full-time basis or an equivalent period on a part-time basis (as negotiated between AHRQ and the candidate). At least one month must be completed on a full-time basis. The starting date is negotiable. The scholar selected for this position will be based in the AHRQ’s Center for Primary Care, Prevention and Clinical Partnerships (CP3), located in Rockville, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. It is expected that the scholar will serve as an integral member of CP3, the only Federal entity that focuses solely on primary care research, and will participate directly in research activities. The scholar will also have the opportunity to learn about Federal support for family medicine/primary care research and to observe health policy development within the Department of Health and Human Services.

This position is authorized under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970. AHRQ will pay half of the scholar’s salary during the course of the assignment, although fringe benefits (e.g., life and health insurance and retirement plan) must be maintained, and the cost paid, by the scholar’s home institution. Nominations will be accepted from individuals or their sponsoring institutions; however, a written endorsement by the sponsoring institution is required for any individual nomination.

Candidates should possess an M.D. or D.O. degree, be board certified in family medicine or have completed a family medicine residency program, and be a United States citizen. Research should be a part of the candidate’s current career, with the expectation that this research role will be enhanced upon return to the home institution. Training or experience in research (especially skills in the use of large datasets) is highly desirable. Experience in medical education and health policy is also desirable.

Interested applicants should submit (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a description of pertinent experience and interests, and (3) a one-page narrative regarding career objectives and accomplishments and/or potential relating to described qualifications. The most highly qualified applicants may be interviewed.

For further information, please contact David C. Lanier, M.D., Center for Primary Care, Prevention and Clinical Partnerships (CP3), at (301) 427-1567, email: dlanier@ahrq.gov or Herbert F. Young, M.D., Director, Scientific Activities Division (AAFP), at (800) 274-2237, ext. 3100, email: hyoung@aafp.org. Applications should be sent to: Herbert F. Young, MD, MA, Director, Scientific Activities Division, American Academy of Family Physicians, 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211-2672. A working group of the AAFP Commission on Science will review applications in conjunction with the AHRQ. Applications are accepted at any time. Only one scholar can be supported per year.