Fellowship Program

The AMSA-Doris Duke Foundation Racial Equity in Clinical Equations Civic Science Fellow is a unique position for an AMSA medical student member to spend 18 months augmenting their formal medical training with the opportunity to delve deeply into critical issues related to racial equity in clinical equations. The Racial Equity in Clinical Equations Civic Science Fellow serves multiple roles at the American Medical Student Association while working closely with staff and national leaders to enhance awareness and action through educational programming, and advocacy initiatives throughout the organization that can influence research practice.

Candidates are not expected to have significant experience in areas such as teaching, curriculum design or grassroots organizing, but must be enthusiastic and motivated to learn in order to become a leader in these areas over the course of their fellowship. All candidates must be AMSA members.

In terms of the experiential education offered, the Racial Equity in Clinical Equations Civic Science Fellow will benefit from providing leadership and contributing to the strategic direction on a number of areas within the organization. The objectives of the fellowship include learning and refining the fellow’s skills in grassroots organizing, leadership development, strategic planning, and advocacy.

The Doris Duke Foundation came into existence in 1996 in accordance with the testament of Doris Duke and its mission “to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future by investing in artists and the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities.”

Fellows from the Doris Duke Foundation’s Racial Equity in Clinical Equations program will join in activities with the broader Civic Science Fellows cohort, a coordination facilitated by the Rita Allen Foundation.

Algorithms have long influenced medical decisions, but their use has exposed disparities, particularly in how they handle racial information. The Doris Duke Foundation is actively addressing this issue by strategically investing in research, convening stakeholders, and promoting evidence-based discussions. The foundation aims to foster a coordinated movement for greater transparency and ongoing discussions about algorithm use in healthcare.

Learn more about Doris Duke Foundation’s Racial Equity in Clinical Equations.

Specific fellowship responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Working directly with the AMSA National President, Chief Executive Officer, and staff to design an array of successful educational programming in areas that are not traditionally included in medical school curricula and research practice.
• Support advertising and marketing campaigns under direction of the Communications and Marketing staff.
• Develop research and data methodologies for enhanced learning of race used in clinical algorithms.
• Conduct educational sessions, workshops, and presentations for various stakeholders to highlight the significance of diverse representation in research, etc.
• Design and execute an advocacy plan to drive research initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing racial disparities in clinical algorithms.
• Create systems for assessing project progress and impact.
• Establish and nurture partnerships to foster collaborative efforts in addressing racial disparities.
• Provide evidence based recommendations for policy amendments to support racial equity in healthcare.
• Collaborate with researchers and experts to publish findings in open science journals.
• Engage with local communities, AMSA Chapters to facilitate community forums and discussions to gather insights on healthcare disparities and algorithmic concerns.
• Build a visible presence in AMSA’s activities, including chapter visits, AMSA’s annual convention, new organizing activities, and advocacy events and campaigns.
• Grow AMSA membership and connect national leaders with local chapters.
• Create monthly newsletter content for distribution to AMSA membership alerting students of education, research and advocacy opportunities and activities.
• Assist with grant proposals and deliverables as needed.
• Focus on projects and tools to engage students and strengthen advocacy initiatives and programming focused on racial equity, education, advocacy and awareness. These projects will support the strategic priorities of AMSA, increase AMSA’s visibility to physicians-in-training, and contribute to membership recruitment success.
• Compile best practices around how content can help activate AMSA chapters around advocacy efforts.
• Consider requests by the Doris Duke Foundation to advance ongoing work on racial equity.
• Serve as the medical student voice on panels and in delivering presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

More Information:

Application deadline: January 31, 2024

Duration: March 1, 2024-September 1, 2025 (last few months can be part time to accommodate for medical school timeline)

Compensation: $75,000 for 18 months + benefits

**Must be a Domestic or International Medical Student in 3rd or 4th year who can work in the United States.

By applying for the position, the applicant asserts the willingness to perform the duties above and any other duties assigned that may be required to further the success of AMSA throughout the year. Examples include: supporting the team in membership recruitment, outreach to chapters and members for various reasons, support in our communications efforts, and other requests made by AMSA’s National President, AMSA Foundation’s Chair, and Chief Executive Officer. The applicant also asserts that they are willing and capable of working in the United States. While this position is almost entirely remote, it will require traveling for meetings and events.

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

AMSA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. Celebrating the value of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, AMSA strongly encourages members of historically marginalized communities and individuals who have been negatively impacted by structural and systemic barriers to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.

To apply, complete the brief application form and upload:

• CV
• Statement of interest
• List of three to five professional references

Questions? Email Jamie Thayer Scates, AMSA Chief Executive Officer at jthayer@amsa.org.