AID Scholars Class

Virtual Magic WandProgram

The Advancing Innovation in Dermatology (AID)Scholars Class offersa unique opportunity to support residents, fellows, early-careerresearchers and clinicians interested in product and service innovation in dermatology. Eachelement of the Scholars Class is designed to train, inspire, and connect the next generation of dermatology innovators.The 2018 AID Scholars Class will apply for, and participate in, the Virtual Magic Wand (VMW)Program. The Program is an offshoot of the Magic Wand Initiative started at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Dermatology to empower clinical faculty to engage in problem-driven research and innovation. The goal of the program is to bring together early-career individuals interested in deeply understanding and defining a dermatologic clinical problem worth solving.

The Program

The VMW program is a 10-month instructive and interactive course,which culminates with the submission of a white paper from each Scholar thatthoroughly describes a specific clinical problem or critical barrier to progress in the field of dermatology. The focus of the VMW program is on identifying problems, therefore, the VMW program is a public, non-confidential forum. Participation and disclosure is voluntary; however, the program is designed to be collaborative and encourages sharing.

Scholars will participate in monthly teleconferences led by the VMW program chairs to identify, vet and define problems worth solving. Each teleconference will be 1 -2 hours in length, depending on the session, and will be held on Thursdays at 6:00 pm (ET). Submission of a white paper is required at the conclusion of the program and is expected to define why the problem identified is worth solving, current solutions (if any) and why the current solutions are insufficient to support meaningful progress toward solving the problem, and who would directly benefit from progress in the area.

Scholars are eligible for a $1,500 grant from AID and reduced registration fees to the annual Dermatology Innovation Forum. Scholars are also encouraged to participate inAID’s Education Committee Initiatives.

Individuals with a passion for innovation and problem-driven research, and those interested in identifying new strategies and solutions with potential to significantly impact dermatologic health are encouraged to apply.

Submission Guidelines

•Dermatology residents, fellows, postdoctoral fellows, early-career researchers and clinicians are eligible to apply

•Application window will open February 16, 2018. Deadline for submission is March 30, 2018

•All applicants will be notified by May 4, 2018. Selection of 4-6 Scholars is anticipated

•Font size should be no less than size 11 and answers should conform to the word limits for each question

•All submission components listed must be received before the deadline for the application to be eligible for review

Submission Components

Each submission must include the following:

  • A completed application form
  • A curriculum vitae of the applicant in PDF form
  • A letter of support from a Program Director, Principal Investigator or Department Chair in PDF form

Submission Process

Eligible individuals are invited to submit their proposals betweenFebruary 16, 2018 and March 30, 2018. Completed applications can be submitted via:

  • Email: ; Subject Line: Virtual Magic Wand
  • Include all completed components as an attachment

A written agreement, defining the basic conditions for the award and Scholars’ responsibilities, will be entered between AID and the award recipients.

Review Criteria

All submitted proposals will be evaluated by a Review Committee comprised ofindividuals carefully chosen for their knowledge and experience in research, product development and clinical practice. All valid applications will be reviewed and ranked using the following standard criteria:

  • Suitability of the applicant’s credentials, training, knowledge, skills and experience as it relates to dermatology
  • Evidence of the applicant’sinterest in innovation, entrepreneurism, or problem solving

Additionally, applicants may be invited to present a brief overview of their qualifications and interest in the VMW program to the Review Committee.

AID Scholars ClassApplication

APPLICANT NAME:
APPLICANT TITLE:
AFFILITATED ORGANIZATION:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE: ZIP CODE:
PHONE: EMAIL:
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: DATE:
  1. Personal Statement (500 words or less)

Provide a summary of your educational and professional experience, career goals, as well as what has driven you to apply to the AID Scholars Class and VMW Program.

  1. Participation Statement (250 words or less)

Discuss what you hope to gain from participating in the VMW Programand how you envision your experience impacting your career path.

  1. Passion Statement (100 words or less)

Provide a briefstatement of a therapeutic area,clinical problem, practice area, or patient population that you are passionate aboutbringing innovative dermatologic solutions to.

Advancing Innovation in Dermatology, Inc. is a registered IRS501(c)(3) organizationdesignatedas a publiccharityin the United States