Educational Scholars Program (ESP)

What are the criteria for acceptance? The selection of participants is based on a review of the application materials and a determination of the applicant’s ability to successfully complete all of the components of the program. We are looking for scholars with outstanding credentials and recommendations, a dedicated mentor, and documentation of institutional support, as well as a sound and innovative project proposal that is likely to have a positive impact on education. Project proposals are evaluated on the following criteria:

• • Relevance to ESP Goals (important educational topic, scholarly approach)
  • Innovation in topic or approach
  • Feasibility of accomplishing project objectives (e.g., time, resources, technical capability)
  • Quality of methods (e.g., sound design, reasonable timeline, methods appropriate to purpose, methods described with nuanced understanding, well constructed tools)
  • Quality of project evaluation (e.g., both process and outcome measures, appropriate respondents, sound tools)
  • Potential for dissemination (e.g., clarity of written proposal, experience with dissemination methods, sound plan, past peer review successes)

Who selects the scholars and how many will be selected? The ESP Executive Committee directs selection of scholars. A cohort of approximately 30 scholars is chosen every 3 years.

Will the program accept fellows as well as faculty? No

Is this program designed only for new faculty members, or can mid-career faculty also apply? We include a mix of new faculty and those with more experience who want to develop new skills to enhance their academic repertoire. Individuals in education leadership roles are appropriate.

Can pediatric subspecialists apply? Yes, sub-specialists are welcome and encouraged to participate. The focus of the program is education, not any particular specialty. Past scholars have represented a wide range of disciplines within pediatrics.

Is an applicant required to possess an MD to apply? No, the program will accept qualified applicants who have a pediatric faculty appointment (including MDs, DOs, PhDs), or a faculty appointment related to pediatrics in another department (e.g., Emergency Medicine). They also may be a community faculty member with a genuine commitment to academics who teaches pediatrics to students or residents.

What exactly does the 10% time commitment mean? Does it mean a salary commitment? Negotiation of the supervisor's agreement to protect 10% of the scholar's time is the responsibility of the scholar. Our expectation is that scholars will be doing projects that are a direct and valuable contribution to their department or institution and that fit into their current job commitments, or can be negotiated to become a part of the Scholar's job commitments. Program participation should also benefit the department by making the Scholar more effective as an educator, leading to promotion.

What is meant by a project in educational scholarship? Projects can be focused on the development, implementation, evaluation and/or dissemination of educational interventions or evaluation methods by a creative, planned and rigorous process that is consistent with best practices in the field and reviewed by peers for excellence. Scholarly projects are described, with examples, at ESP Project.

How should I choose a mentor? Your mentor does not need to be a pediatrician or a member of your department, but should have expertise in a key area related to your project. An educator may be a better choice than a clinical content expert. A good mentor is approachable and available, and personally committed to the mentee's success. Mentors should also be experienced and widely respected, so they can help their mentees to network with senior colleagues and gain visibility in their field. Ideally, a Scholar's mentor is local, to facilitate frequent meetings, but that is not a requirement. Scholars must make their own arrangements with mentors, but the ESP faculty can help identify a potential mentor upon request. The mentor's letter and qualifications will be reviewed critically as part of the application.

What is an ESP national advisor advisor? In addition to the home mentor, all scholars will be assigned a national advisor.  This advisor will track your project’s progress and help troubleshoot, if needed.  The national advisor’s main role is to offer career guidance, so he/she/they will also review your CV and educator portfolio.

What will I get out of the program? Being in the ESP will give you: a Certificate of Excellence in Educational Scholarship with a letter of acknowledgement to your supervisor, help with implementation of a substantial educational project, a peer-reviewed publication or presentation to add to your curriculum vitae, a systematic learning experience to enhance your skills as an educational scholar, a carefully crafted educational portfolio useful for future promotion reviews, expert career guidance, and valuable networking with a national group of like-minded academic peers.

Does the ESP provide financial or travel support to Scholars? No, we have no funds for this purpose. Your supervisor's support for the tuition fee, time protection, project costs, and travel to the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting will be required for you to participate. Some Scholars may have access to grant support, e.g. through faculty development grants, to supplement local resources.

Why is there an application fee and tuition cost? The ESP is expensive to operate, with 50 faculty engaged in managing and evaluating the program, planning the curriculum, teaching at PAS, directing intersession activities, and advising individual scholars. The fee makes it possible to sustain a high quality program.

How can I learn more about ESP? Follow us on twitter at #BeAScholarESP and use the below form to submit additional questions.