Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research
Advanced Fellowship in Health Systems Research
Director: Diana Burgess, PhD
Co-Director: Elisheva Danan, MD, MPH
Associate Director: Michele Spoont, PhD
Associate Director for Curriculum: Nathan Shippee, PhD
About the Fellowship Program
Over three decades, the Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR), a VA Health Systems Research Center of Innovation, has established an outstanding track record of training physician and postdoctoral research fellows, with fellowship alumni now in leadership positions in VA, academia, state government, and the private sector. Following a competitive review process, the CCDOR Health Systems Research (CCDOR-HSR) fellowship program was re-selected on September 30, 2021 as one of 14 VA Advanced Fellowship Programs in Health Systems Research.
Now with an expanded focus on Learning Health Systems (LHS), new partnerships and learning opportunities, and a robust interprofessional training environment, the CCDOR-HSR fellowship program will train the next generation of researchers with the skills needed to become change agents in public and private healthcare systems.
The CCDOR-HSR fellowship provides two years of training for eligible physicians, associated health or nursing professionals, and those with a PhD or equivalent in health systems research, public health, the social sciences, statistics, bioscience, or related fields. Candidates interested in mental health, chronic pain and opioids, substance use disorder, health equity, implementation science, Learning Health Systems (LHS), and cancer prevention and screening may find CCDOR a particularly good fit, but other candidates are encouraged to apply.
Fellows spend approximately 75-80% of their time in research and education and 20-25% in clinical care (or health care system improvement activities for non-clinicians) at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. All fellows are paired with a Primary Research Mentor, selected from a talented cadre of CCDOR investigators, and an Operations Mentor. Operations Mentors are clinical or operational leaders who will help fellows address high priority research questions, navigate systems barriers to change, and ultimately conduct more impactful research. Our innovative curriculum emphasizes experiential mentored learning, embedded research, and formal methodologic training and is led by renowned University of Minnesota faculty. Fellows also have the option to complete a master’s degree.
Who should apply?
PhD and other doctoral level fellows must have (or be close to completing) a PhD or equivalent in health systems research, nursing, public health, the social sciences, statistics, bioscience, or related fields. Degree must be completed prior to start. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Fellows receive an annual stipend plus health insurance benefits. Clinical and counseling psychologists and non-physician health care providers may also have the opportunity for clinical experiences during their fellowship, up to 25% of their time.
MD fellows must have (or be close to completing) the following requirements: have graduated from an ACGME accredited residency, be board certified or board eligible, and have an active unrestricted U.S. medical license. These requirements must be completed prior to starting the fellowship. International medical graduates must also have an ECFMG certificate that is valid indefinitely. Physicians in all areas are encouraged to apply, but those who are in internal medicine, psychiatry, or rehabilitation medicine will have a broader pool of mentors from which to choose.
MD Fellows receive at least 75% protected time for research and education and have the opportunity to complete an MPH in epidemiology or health systems research or an MS in clinical research through the University of Minnesota’s (UMN) School of Public Health. MD fellows also have opportunities for outpatient and inpatient clinical experiences at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and for teaching within the UMN Medical School. Salary is based on PGY level.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter stating career interests and fellowship goals, curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, and a writing sample to ccdor.fellowship@va.gov. More information regarding the VA Advanced Fellowship Program in Health Systems Research (HSR) can be found here. Click here to view some of our current and past fellows.
We are accepting applications for PhD fellows until December 16, 2024. Off-cycle PhD applications may be considered on a on a case-by-case basis. MD applicants may submit applications at any time.
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More info about the HSR advanced fellowship can be found HERE.
