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Hearst AAHPM Leadership Scholars Fund

The Leadership Scholars Fund was designed to increase the number of qualified hospice and palliative medicine physicians who have access to specialized leadership development opportunities to supplement clinical training.

This fund provides scholarships to AAHPM physician members to participate in leadership development engagement activities. Leadership Scholars receive up to $5,000 in funding ($2,500/year for two years). Applicants are responsible for customizing a leadership development plan aligned with the AAHPM leadership core competencies.

In December 2017, AAHPM was awarded a $125,000 grant from the Hearst Foundations to support a multi-year leadership scholars program. The Hearst Foundations grant has been fully utilized to support 23 emerging leaders since it was awarded. AAHPM thanks the Hearst Foundations for their generous support of the field. With donations received AAHPM can continue to offer this scholarship. In addition, through continuing support from the Y.C. Ho/Helen and Michael Chiang, this year AAHPM can offer an additional scholarship designated for a pediatrician.

Help AAHPM continue to offer this scholarship in the future by making a donation to the AAHPM Leadership Scholars Fund.

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The Call for Applications will reopen in 2021.

Program Benefits

The scholarship offers funds to cover educational conference and course fees, travel support, career development assessments and coaching services, and professional development materials. Scholars are responsible for customizing their training agenda to meet their individual learning and engagement needs. As a result, recipients will have a two-year self-directed leadership and career development plan to catalyze and enhance their emergence and effectiveness as a leader. AAHPM Leadership Scholars will gain a community of peers whom they can learn and grow with.

Eligibility

The application cycle for 2021 will open in the fall. Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to palliative care and leadership development.

All applicants must:

  • not be a current recipient of a career development award at the time of initial Hearst AAHPM Leadership Scholars funding (eg, AAHPM Access Fund, NIH K-Award, VA career award, National Palliative Care Research Center, Sojourn Scholars, or other funded career award).
  • be AAHPM physician members.
  • be physicians who are board certified in hospice and palliative medicine and/or hospice medical director certified.


AAHPM Leadership Scholars who complete the required documentation at the end of the first award year will be eligible to request a second year of funding support ($2,500).

Application Process

For planning purposes only when the application opens, you must email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line "AAHPM Leadership Scholars" with your intent to submit a scholarship application.


Scholarship applications including required attachments are due before the application deadline. 

For questions, please contact AAHPM Member Services at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or 847.375.4712.

2019 Hearst Scholars

Jennifer Blechman, MD HMDC
Craig Blinderman, MD MA FAAHPM
Christine Khandelwal, DO
Pringl Miller, MD FACS
Sarah Stayer Mills, MD MPH
Alden Doerner Rinaldi, MD
Angela Stiltner, MD HMDC FAAHPM 
David Wang, MD 

Support the Leadership Scholars Fund

You can help support scholarships for members to participate in leadership development activities. Help us to create opportunities for future leaders to continue to build a strong field for hospice and palliative medicine.

“I am so grateful for the scholarship opportunity I received from AAHPM and the Hearst Foundation. I have seen incredible returns already. It started with attending ASCEND—where my knowledge increased, my connections were established and my relationships developed. I continued my development with leadership self-study programs and professional coaching, and it has been the best thing that has happened for both my career and my leadership skills. This growth would not have been possible without the scholarship.”

Dillon Stein, DO
Co-Director, Division of Palliative Care
Butler Health System

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AAHPM qualifies for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a not-for-profit corporation. Donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisors for information about the deductibility of these donations.