Frequently Asked Questions
Program
Generally, scholars spend a few hours every month on both the synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences. In addition, scholars participate in quarterly scheduled check-in calls with the program staff as well as quarterly scheduled assigned group meetings.
Scholars also work on their proposed programs independently every month and meet with their mentor(s) every two months. The time spent per scholar on his/her individual proposed program and meeting with his/her mentor(s) will vary and be in addition to the time commitment described above.
The Moore Foundation's Patient Care Program sponsors five programs in diagnostic excellence, including the NAM Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence program. To learn more about the other programs, visit the Moore Foundation's website.
While both programs are funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and aim to improve diagnosis, the NAM Scholars program is intended for mid-career individuals across specialties and disciplines with a record of relevant professional accomplishments and demonstrated leadership in their field — whereas the SIDM Fellowship program is intended for individuals who are early in their research, education, or leadership careers. In addition, the NAM Scholars program focuses on driving the implementation of programs that will improve diagnosis and reduce diagnostic errors at the national level, while the SIDM Fellowship program focuses on developing and implementing the fellows’ own diagnosis-related projects. For more details, please visit SIDM Fellowship program website.
The majority of the program activities are done virtually. However, there are a number of in-person activities in which the scholars participate, such as the June orientation, the October NAM Annual Meeting, the October CMSS Annual Meeting, the October SIDM Conference, and the June end-of-year symposium.
Eligibility
This program is intended for mid-career individuals across specialties and disciplines with a record of relevant professional accomplishments and demonstrated leadership in their field.
This program aims to promote work that is relevant to the U.S. health care system and build the workforce to improve diagnosis within the U.S. health care system. Hence, this program is limited to U.S. applicants who are affiliated with U.S.-based institutions and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Selection Process
Strong preference will be given to candidates whose proposed program objectives advance diagnostic excellence as well as specific recommendations of the 2015 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) consensus report, Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, when applicable.
The advisory committee consists of co-chairs and 12 other members, all of whom are experts/thought leaders in the field of diagnostic excellence. Here is a roster of the advisory committee.
Application Materials & Process
Yes. Please use the template that is provided in the online application system.
Your program proposal should include a one- to two-paragraph proposal summary within the 3-page limit, as well as background; proposed solution/implementation; objectives; proposed activities; proposed outcomes; evaluation, dissemination, and implementation plan; and specific reference to how it relates to or forwards a National Academies recommendation for improving diagnosis when applicable. Please refer to the instructions/template that is provided in the online application system.
No, references do not count within the 3-page limit for the program proposal. They can be attached as page 4.
The program does not provide individual critiques of applications submitted.
Use of Grant & Domestic Travel Funds
The program does not require a formal budget and budget narrative. However, scholars are required to submit a final narrative and a financial report on activities and accounting for expenditures to the NAM after completion of the one-year program period. Any remaining/unspent funds must be returned to the NAM.
The grant cannot be used for tuition or to purchase standard hardware/software for general business purposes or renew memberships in professional societies for which the scholars are already members. In addition, indirect costs are required to be consistent with the Moore Foundation’s Indirect Cost Policy.
Most scholars use their domestic travel funds to attend the program-related activities, which include:
- June orientation in DC
- October NAM Annual Meeting in DC
- June end-of-year symposium for the program in DC
Some flexibility is provided; hence, some scholars have used their domestic travel funds to attend training related to their proposed programs and/or to meet with their mentor(s) in person.
Indirect costs are inclusive within the $35,000 grant.
IMPORTANT DATES
January 5, 2026
Call for Applications Opens
January 8, 2026 (3pm ET)
Applicant Information Session - Register Here
January 21, 2026 (1pm ET)
Applicant Information Session - Register Here
February 2, 2026 (2pm ET)
Applicant Information Session - Register Here
February 20, 2026 (11am ET)
Applicant Information Session - Register Here
March 2, 2026
Applications Due at 3pm ET
March 30, 2026
Finalists Notification
April 10, 2026
Finalists’ Video Submissions Due at 12pm ET
May 13, 2026
Scholars Notification
June 16-17, 2026
Scholars’ Orientation in DC
October 2026
NAM Annual Meeting in DC