Qualidigm Fellowship in Healthcare Quality
Applications Due by January 12, 2024

With an endowment gift from Qualidigm, Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) is establishing the Qualidigm Fellowship in Healthcare Quality. This fellowship will support a graduate student enrolled in a healthcare or public health program to develop and conduct a project focused on one of the following areas:

• A Maine-specific public health or healthcare issue; or
• An issue prevalent in Maine as it relates to the quality, safety, and value of healthcare; or
• Strategies for improving health care equity, including as it pertains to diverse patient populations and health inequity.

We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants who are interested in working on climate-related healthcare challenges.

The fellowship will last nine months and will include a presentation at MPHA’s annual meeting, held in October. The fellow is expected to achieve a minimum of 360 hours over the nine-month period, and will receive a $7,000 stipend, which may be used for education-related expenses. The fellow will receive direct oversight from MPHA staff, with additional support by MPHA board, members, and potentially other partners.

The fellowship is remote, with flexible work hours. The fellow is expected to work independently and to demonstrate judiciousness in asking for help, initiative, and critical thinking. The fellow will need to have their own computer and access to MS Office. Experience conducting and citing research is strongly preferred. The fellow must be a member of MPHA (or able to join before the start of the fellowship). There is a strong preference for applicants who demonstrate a connection to Maine.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit the following information:

• Informative title of proposed project
• 700-1,000-word statement describing the proposed project. The project must address:
  • A Maine-specific public health or healthcare issue; or
  • An issue prevalent in Maine as it relates to the quality, safety, and value of healthcare; or
  • Strategies for improving health care equity, including as it pertains to diverse patient populations and health inequity.
• 500-700-word personal statement describing your educational background and personal experience
• CV/Resume
• Sample publication or unpublished research paper
• Two letters of reference from graduate school faculty
   

If you need assistance with your application, we recommend contacting your school’s Student Support Center or your faculty advisor. Completed applications should be sent to MPHA’s Executive Director, Rebecca Boulos (rebecca.boulos@mainepublichealth.org). Letters of Recommendation should be sent separately from the rest of the application.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION
A committee of MPHA staff and board members will review all applications. Reviewers will evaluate applicants according to their educational and work background, academic accomplishments, strength of the proposal, and the potential to contribute to the field of public health and health care in Maine.

Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision in late January/early February, with an expected start date of late February/early March.

About Maine Public Health Association
Maine Public Health Association is the state’s oldest, largest, and most diverse association for public health professionals. As a statewide nonprofit association, we advocate, act, and advise on critical public health challenges, aiming to improve the policies, systems, and environments that underlie health inequities – but which also have potential to improve health outcomes for all people in Maine. We are not tied to a national agenda, which means we are responsive to the needs of Maine’s communities, and we take that responsibility seriously. Learn more at: mainepublichealth.org.

About Qualidigm
Qualidigm was a national collaborative healthcare consulting company providing innovative and scientifically based solutions to transform care and improve care delivery and patient outcomes.