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 the DARTNet Institute 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 2025 FMD RapSDI scholars. Each scholar receives 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.
Key Dates
Current Application Period
Next Application Period
The 2025 FMD RapSDI application is open October 1, 2024 through January 16, 2025 (application portal closes at 5 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 May 2025.
If invited to submit for Round 2, selected applicants will work with a mentor to develop a more traditional research plan and budget. If an applicant has not identified a mentor at the time of application, they will be matched with a DARTNet Institute staff member and/or outside research mentor. Round 2 applications are due September 22, 2025.
Note: All times are listed in Central Time.
Please join us for one of our open house-style informational sessions. Each session will include a brief presentation and overview of the RapSDI program and application process along with a Q&A portion. During each session, we will repeat the presentation to allow participants to join and exit the session at any time.
Check back soon to learn about the 2025 Scholars.
The AAFP National Research Network is proud to introduce past FMD RapSDI Scholars. Learn more about the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 scholars.
Peer Reviewers review Round 1 applications and provide constructive comments for improvement. Timeframe for review is February 1-28, 2025. 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 their Round 2 application, including a more traditional research proposal, protocol, and budget, as well as in identifying professional development opportunities in line with Scholar goals. The general time commitment for mentors is June 2024–early-September 2025. Read more about mentor expectations.
If you're interested in serving as a mentor to a RapSDI finalist or scholar, contact us at RapSDI@DARTNet.info.
An applicant can submit multiple topics, but each idea/topic must be submitted in a separate application. Applicants can submit a maximum of three topics/questions. The personal statement in each application should match the idea/topic. If more than one topic is submitted, each question must be distinct and unique from the other questions (i.e. questions can't be similar with a different practice settings.) If you have questions about this, contact program staff at RapSDI@DARTNet.info.
Applicants must be an AAFP member. A membership number is required to submit application. Learn how you can join the AAFP.
No, you must be a practicing family physician at the time of your Round 1 application in order to be eligible to apply to the first round.
No, you do not need to identify a research mentor in Round 1. Application reviewers will not see responses to this question during the Round 1 selection phase. This question is included in the application to help the FMD RapSDI assemble a mentorship team for the four candidates that advance to Round 2. If you do not have someone to serve as a research mentor, the FMD RapSDI team will help identify researcher(s) to assist you in developing an application based on topic and/or methods.
A research mentor will be asked to help refine and develop your research question, protocol, instruments, and budget. They will be asked to have regular meetings with you to discuss your research plan. They may also be asked to connect with FMD RapSDI staff on a monthly basis during the Round 2 application phase.
Email RapSDI@DARTNet.info for more information.