An innovation in physician training: the Clinical Scholars Program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Training
• Academic Medicine

Background:

• The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program was established to equip physicians with skills beyond their standard clinical repertoire.
• Initial support came from the Carnegie Corporation and Commonwealth Fund, with subsequent funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation since 1973.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the factors influencing the program's initiation and evolution.
• To evaluate the program's successes, failures, and challenges.
• To assess the career achievements of its alumni and the program's overall status.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of program development.
• Analysis of alumni career paths.
• Qualitative assessment of program outcomes and challenges.

Main Results:

• 309 physicians completed the program by June 1981.
• A majority of alumni entered careers in academic medicine.
• The program facilitated the acquisition of non-traditional physician skills.

Conclusions:

• The program successfully trained physicians for academic roles.
• Alumni achievements indicate a positive impact on medical education and research.
• The program's development provides insights into physician training initiatives.