Eligibility Requirements
Who Thrives in the Physician Innovator Program?
We are looking for physicians-in-training who ask, "Why is healthcare done this way?" and are motivated to improve it. Successful participants are curious observers, collaborative team members, resilient learners, and future leaders who are eager to transform ideas into better care. You do not need prior innovation, engineering, or business experience—only a commitment to learning and improving the systems in which patients receive care.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements at the time of application.
Institutional Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in an ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship program at a participating institution or at an institution approved to participate. Currently, applicants must be enrolled in a residency or fellowship program related to UICOMP.
Training Level
Applicants should be:
- PGY-1 residents applying for entry into PI-1 the following academic year, or
- Fellows or residents in longer training programs with sufficient time remaining to complete the longitudinal curriculum, subject to approval by the Program Director.
Academic Standing
Applicants must:
- Be in good academic standing within their residency or fellowship program.
- Have no significant professionalism concerns that would prevent successful participation.
Program Director Support
Applicants must have the support of their Residency or Fellowship Program Director, confirming that participation is compatible with their training program and educational responsibilities.
Candidate Commitment
Applicants must agree to:
- Participate in the required educational activities.
- Attend scheduled seminars, workshops, and experiential learning activities.
- Meet regularly with assigned mentors.
- Complete required program deliverables.
- Participate in program evaluation and assessment.
Professional Expectations
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Curiosity about improving healthcare.
- Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Professionalism and integrity.
- Commitment to patient-centered care.
- Willingness to engage in innovation projects throughout the program.
Previous innovation, research, engineering, or entrepreneurial experience is not required.
Time Commitment
Applicants should anticipate dedicating approximately:
- PI-1: 3–5 hours per month, including seminars, mentorship meetings, project work, and experiential activities.
- Focused selective/elective within the PI-1 for the program (may include travel)
- PI-2: Variable commitment based on the scope of the capstone project, with ongoing faculty mentorship and scholarly dissemination.
- Focused selective/elective within the PI-2 for the program (expected to include travel)
Austere Healthcare Innovation Experience
Participation in the Austere Healthcare Innovation Experience is strongly encouraged and may be required for designated program tracks.
Participants must be able to:
- Meet institutional travel requirements.
- Complete all required safety and pre-departure training.
- Demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, and adaptability in resource-constrained healthcare environments.
Financial support or travel scholarships may be available for eligible participants.
Selection
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.
Selection is competitive and based upon:
- Demonstrated curiosity and motivation
- Commitment to improving healthcare
- Leadership potential
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Capacity for reflective learning
- Alignment with the mission of the Physician Innovator Program
- Faculty review and structured interview