ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence

The application process for the 2027–2029 cycle is open. We are actively recruiting for a cancer-focused scholar.

Interested candidates must submit a complete application, which includes a personal statement, curriculum vitae, a research proposal, and three letters of recommendation. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with Program Leaders as part of the final selection process.

Eligibility requirements include completion of at least two years of clinical training, United States citizenship, and approval from the applicant’s home institution. Applicants must also be willing to relocate to Chicago for the duration of the two-year, onsite fellowship.

Scholar Focus Areas

The ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program offers multiple focus areas aligned with the College’s strategic priorities. Available focus areas vary by application cycle, and not all focus areas are offered every year. The focus areas of consideration for this 2027-2029 cycle are as follows:

Cancer Clinical Scholar

• Focuses on research and quality improvement initiatives designed to improve patient safety, outcomes, and system performance across cancer care.
• Scholar has access to the ACS registries and data sources (NCDB, etc.), mentors, and support staff to support the initiatives of various ACS Cancer Programs, including the Commission on Cancer (CoC), National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), Cancer Surgery Standards Program (CSSP), Cancer Research Program (CRP), and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), with the goal of improving the care of cancer patients and demonstrating the value of ACS Cancer Programs.

About the Program

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) offers a two-year onsite fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, healthcare policy, and quality improvement. The ACS Clinical Scholar will work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ACS and to perform research relevant to projects within the ACS. Participants will receive extensive mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research from leaders in surgery and healthcare, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with surgeons across the country. During the fellowship, scholars also earn a Master’s degree relevant to their work.

Applicants must have completed two years of clinical training, be a United States citizen, be willing to relocate to Chicago, and obtain approval from their home institution to be considered. 

The goal of the ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence Program is to help prepare a surgical resident for a career in academic surgery through a unique, practical research and health policy experience at the American College Surgeons. The program includes the opportunity to earn a Master’s of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) or the Health Services and Outcomes Research through Northwestern University’s Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and the Institute for Healthcare Studies. In addition, the Scholar will be able to participate in resident educational activities through Northwestern University’s department of surgery.  

For any inquiries related to the Clinical Scholars program, email us at cscholars@facs.org.

Program Specifics

Mentorship

The ACS will assign internal mentors to meet regularly with the Scholar. The Scholar will also interact and be mentored by various surgeons affiliated with the ACS and the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care from across the country. As mentorship is one of the most important aspects of the fellowship, having guidance from multiple individuals from varied backgrounds will provide the best opportunity for success. In addition, there is a team of ACS staff statisticians and project support staff who will be invaluable resources for the Clinical Scholar in Residence. Information on several of the program’s mentors can be found online. 

In addition, the program hosts the ACS Clinical Scholars Speaker Series, a curated event aimed at mentoring and inspiring the next generation of clinical scholars in their research endeavors. Part of a broader mentorship initiative, this series is dedicated to creating a collaborative and educational space for emerging researchers. It provides a platform for esteemed speakers to impart their wisdom and experiences, significantly influencing aspiring scholars in the field.

Master’s in Clinical Investigation (MSCI)

The MSCI program is designed for physicians with an interest in conducting clinical research. The coursework focuses on biostatistics, epidemiology, decision analysis, clinical trial design, paper and grant writing, peer-reviewing principles, and clinical research ethics. All coursework is done at Northwestern’s downtown campus, which is one block from the ACS headquarters. Clinical Scholars who have already completed an equivalent program may be exempt from the MSCI requirement.

Master’s in Health Services and Outcomes Research

The goal of this program is to educate clinicians to become effective health services and outcomes researchers. The Health Services and Outcomes Research program will focus on these issues within institutional and healthcare delivery systems, as well as in the external environment that shapes health policy around quality and safety. The program takes approximately two years to complete. All coursework is done at Northwestern’s downtown campus.

Surgical Education

The Scholar will be able to continue his or her surgical education through Northwestern University’s department of surgery by attending the weekly morbidity and mortality conference and grand rounds. Scholars have the opportunity to practice their surgical skills at Northwestern’s Surgical Skills Training Lab. Multiple opportunities for clinical moonlighting exist in the Chicagoland area as well. In addition, the Scholar may be able to take the American Board of Surgery In-Service Training Examination (ABSITE) locally.

NIH Loan Repayment

The Scholar will also have the opportunity to apply for the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program which pays up to $70,000 over two years if the applicant is involved in clinical research for at least two years. This program is becoming a highly competitive process, and applications are due in the fall prior to starting the Research Fellowship.

Location

As the Clinical Scholars work closely with the ACS staff and need to complete coursework, it is required that the Clinical Scholar move to Chicago. ACS will provide office space in its downtown Chicago headquarters.