Semel Institute National Clinician Scholars Program

Background

The DMH + UCLA Public Partnership for Wellbeing worked with the Semel Institute for Neuroscience to bring the National Clinician Scholars Program to LA County. By creating a space for a Scholar, this partnership aims to support the ongoing work of leaders engineering better health equity for all.

Goal

To advance and promote the work of clinician leaders (physicians, nurses) who address health equity over the course of their career, through postdoctoral training as part of the National Clinician Scholars Program, with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) as their sponsor.

Program Description

The National Clinician Scholars Program is a multi-site program for all physician specialties and nurses with a PhD.  The program provides training in partnered research, quality improvement, health services and policy research and leadership.  Scholars are selected within a competitive process with applicants from across the country.  DMH funds one fellowship slot at a time (new fellows eligible every 2 years). 

Activities

• Scholars participate in coursework, the equivalent of a masters program or auditing as an option.
• Scholars have up to 20% clinical work with DMH.  Scholars may participate in leadership activities. 
• Scholars conduct 1-4 projects, at least 1 of which is in partnership with DMH.
• Scholars may participate in a policy elective their second year. 
• Scholars attend annual NCSP meetings, and other local and national meetings. 
• Scholars have access to research funds and a mentorship team.