VA Rural Scholars Fellowship

rural.health.inquiry@va.gov

The VA Rural Scholars Fellowship (RSF) is a 2-year program designed to develop a cadre of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinicians with the skills, knowledge, and professional networks necessary to become leaders and innovators in rural healthcare delivery systems. The program also promotes recruitment and retention of providers in rural VHA primary care practice areas. By providing opportunities for professional growth and development, the program reduces professional isolation and empowers rural primary care providers to lead innovation projects at their VHA clinics.

Fellows will divide their time between clinical practice and fellowship activities. The RSF program consists of 3 principal elements.

1. Curriculum of weekly virtual courses that focus on rural healthcare improvement and innovation
2. An improvement or delivery innovation project in each fellow's rural practice setting
3. Leadership training with a focus on VHA settings

The program will also include an in-person summer institute, networking, and mentorship.

The fellowship will begin on July 1, 2025.

Fact sheet

Eligible applicants are physicians, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants who practice in VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) with a patient population that is more than 50% rural. Other specialties may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits:

• Participation in a 2-year healthcare improvement and leadership curriculum
• Opportunities to network with national experts and leaders
• Access to an alumni network through the VA Quality Scholars and the RSF programs
• Data analysis training and consultation

Contact rural.health.inquiry@va.gov to express interest and begin the application process.