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Innovations in Graduate Medical Education (GME) Development Grant

Overview

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is pleased to announce the launch of the Innovations in Graduate Medical Education (GME) Development Grant Program. This initiative aims to catalyze bold, practical innovations that strengthen and expand workforce development efforts through GME in ways that advance physician training, improve community health, and support the next generation of physicians.

Through this competitive funding opportunity, we invite medical schools, institutions, consortia, and organizations committed to medical education to submit proposals that align with AACOM’s priorities.

Program Priorities

AACOM seeks proposals that address one or more of the following priority areas:

  1. Expanding GME Capacity
    2.
    • Developing sustainable models to increase residency and fellowship positions, especially in primary care and workforce shortage specialties and areas.
    • Creating partnerships with states, community hospitals, health systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Critical Access Hospitals, other clinical settings and academic institutions to expand training sites.
  1. Establishing or strengthening training programs in community-based rural, urban, and underserved areas —
    2.
    • including efforts to build partnerships, expand residency/fellowship positions, develop faculty and infrastructure, and ensure program sustainability. Projects should demonstrate alignment with local workforce needs and potential for long-term impact.
  1. Innovations in Funding and Policy Models
    2.
    • Designing alternative funding mechanisms for GME sustainability.
    • Piloting new models that reduce administrative burden and increase flexibility in GME development.
  1. Technology, Research, and Future-Focused Training
    2.
    • Leveraging data, AI, simulation, and technology to enhance GME curriculum and assessment.
    • Preparing physicians for future practice models, including team-based and community-integrated care.
    • Research that demonstrates the value of GME in community-based, underserved settings

Eligibility

  • Accredited medical schools, residency programs, health systems, consortia, and other organizations supportive of graduate medical education and medical education are eligible to apply.
  • Collaborative and multi-institutional proposals are encouraged.

Funding and Duration

  • Awards will typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more over a period of 1–2 years depending on project.
  • Funds may be used to support efforts such as program development, partnership building, faculty, staff effort, consulting fees (not to exceed 10 percent of request), pilot testing, evaluation, and dissemination activities.
  • The program will not support expenses such as travel unrelated to project implementation, food and beverages, entertainment, lobbying or political activities, gifts, souvenirs or promotional items, or clothing.
  • While not required, applicants are encouraged to provide matching funds or in-kind support from their institution or partners. This will be considered favorably in the review process as evidence of sustainability and institutional commitment.
  • Funding may support program development, partnership development, pilot testing, evaluation, and dissemination activities.

Application Process

The proposal should not exceed 4 pages (excluding budget) and should include the following:

  • Proposed project (project title, summary of proposed project)
  • Alignment with program priorities
  • Anticipated impact
  • Evaluation plan and sustainability
  • Key partners
  • Budget (not included in 4-page limit)

Begin Your Grant Proposal

Proposals are due by Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed for:

  • Novelty and potential to advance GME.
  • Practicality, resources, and institutional commitment.
  • Potential to expand access, improve training, or strengthen community health.
  • Potential for broader application and sharing of lessons learned.
  • Submission Proposals should be submitted electronically to GME-initiatives@aacom.org

Timeline

  • Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Contact

For questions about this opportunity, please contact: GMEinitiatives@aacom.org