Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation (FMD RapSDI) is a signature primary care research program funded by the AAFP Foundation in collaboration with the AAFP National Research Network (AAFP NRN).
FMD RapSDI supports short-term innovative and high-impact research projects led by practicing family physicians. No previous research experience is required. Physicians selected as FMD RapSDI Scholars will serve as Principal Investigators for their projects, and will receive support and mentorship from AAFP NRN staff to develop and refine a research protocol, perform project activities, and conduct data analysis. Scholars have the opportunity to participate in one or more research conferences/meetings and author a manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.
Two practicing family physicians will be selected as 2023 FMD RapSDI scholars. Each scholar will receive a $40,000 grant for project associated costs and/or to offset time/salary required to conduct research. The AAFP Foundation does not provide grant funds for indirect or overhead costs, including facility and administration costs.
The 2022 RapSDI scholars, Allene Whitney, M.D. and Capt. Michael Arnold, M.D., were announced in June. Learn more about their projects and how they'll make a difference in primary care.
The 2023 FMD RapSDI application is open July 1 through August 23, 2022 (application portal closes at 5:00 p.m. CT). Application submissions are divided into two competitive rounds. All complete Round 1 submissions will be reviewed, and four finalists will be selected and invited to participate and submit a Round 2 application. Round 1 decision notifications will be sent in November/December 2022.
If invited to submit for Round 2, selected applicants will work with a mentor to develop a research plan and budget. If an applicant has not identified a mentor at the time of application, they will be matched with an AAFP NRN staff member and/or outside research mentor. Round 2 applications are due March 15, 2023.
"The process of applying was inspiring. Round two was a mentorship opportunity, and it gave me a set of skills for developing research design and how to apply for a grant. When I became one of the four finalists, I felt I had already received a gift that carried immense value.” - Allene Whitney, MD, 2022 Family Medicine Discovers RapSDI Scholar
To be eligible to apply, the applicants must be:
Proposed projects must meet the following requirements:
The Cycle 4 application for the Family Medicine Discovers RapSDI program will be open until Aug. 23, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
The AAFP NRN is seeking volunteer peer reviewers and mentors for FMD RapSDI.
Peer Reviewers: Peer Reviewers will review applications and provide constructive comments for improvement. Timeframe for review is Sept. 1-27, 2022. Each reviewer will review no more than six applications. The expected time commitment for application reviews is 15-30 minutes per application. Sign up to serve as a peer reviewer.
Mentors: Mentors will assist RapSDI scholars in developing a research proposal, protocol, and budget, as well as in identifying professional development opportunities in line with Scholar goals. Read more about mentor expectations.
Mentorship Application: The time commitment will be from December 2022-March 2023.
Scholar Project Mentorship: The time commitment will be dependent on project performance period. Each project will be a maximum 12 months in duration.
If you're interested in serving as a mentor to a RapSDI finalist or scholar, contact us at nrn@aafp.org.
The AAFP National Research Network is proud to introduce past FMD RapSDI Scholars. Learn more about the 2020 and 2021 scholars.
Email nrn@aafp.org for more information.