The information page states “a research or QI plan based upon the existing standardized data file” is required. What exactly does that mean?
You can find more information about the standardized data file via MPOG’s website and in the user guide (Standardized Data File User Guide 2021) as well as the included phenotypes (Standardized Data File Appendix 1 (Phenotypes) 2021) and quality measures (Standardized Data File Appendix 2 (Measures) 2021). We expect the selected fellow to use the Standardized Data File as the basis of their research project.
Will a set day per week be required for MPOG work (i.e. every Tuesday) or is it flexible? How many hours/days should I plan to devote to the fellowship per week?
50% non-clinical time commitment is expected, so approximately 2.5 days per week. We will work closely with the fellow and home institution to determine a flexible schedule which does not conflict with their clinical schedule. MPOG currently has standing Monday meetings, which would be beneficial (but not mandatory) for the fellow to attend.
What does the didactic aspect to the fellowship program look like? Are there established lectures given by the MPOG team or mostly on-the-job type of learning?
It will be a combination of pre-recorded videos, virtual training, and on the job learning. Some lectures may look like expanded versions of the Tips and Tricks videos on the MPOG website.
Will there be an on-campus requirement for those choosing to be virtual? If so, are those days already established?
There is no on-campus/in-person requirement, however, we encourage that the selected fellow attends all virtual MPOG meetings such as monthly PCRC meetings, the MPOG retreat, and quarterly ASPIRE meetings as they are able.
What kinds of “letters of support” are required?
We recommend sending over two letters of support, one from your primary mentor for the planned MPOG project, and one from your department chair stating that the 50% allocation of non-clinical time is feasible.
How many fellows will be accepted in the upcoming year? Would it be possible for two individuals to share a fellowship year?
We will be accepting a maximum of 2 remote fellows per year, with no restriction on whether they are from the same institution.
Does this have to be an in-person fellowship at the MPOG Data Coordinating Center (DCC)?
No, the fellow may remain at their home institution and complete the fellowship activities remotely or hybrid.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship will be a minimum of 12 months.
Who pays for the fellow’s salary?
If hybrid or remote with the primary physical location outside of the DCC, the home institution will support the fellow salary. If an onsite experience at the DCC with faculty clinical responsibilities, the DCC may support the salary for qualified applicants.
Can clinical responsibilities be integrated into the fellow year?
Yes, a maximum of 50% clinical time (e.g, 2 days per week OR + on call responsibility) is allowed.
Can a resident serve as a fellow during their anesthesiology residency?
Yes, anesthesiology residents can apply for the fellowship, but are responsible for obtaining appropriate approvals from their local program director. Clinical activities will not be available at the MPOG DCC.
Will this fellowship result in a degree?
Applicants may choose to incorporate the fellowship activities into a local or DCC graduate degree program. That degree program would be separate from the fellowship and is not currently sponsored using fellowship resources.
Is this fellowship an ACGME approved fellowship?
No, an ACGME approved clinical informatics fellowship is not currently offered as part of the MPOG research fellowship. For those eligible for the “legacy” or “grandfathered” informatics certification, its activities do serve as informatics work.
How many fellowship positions are available?
Multiple positions may be available if some of the fellows are using the hybrid or remote option. Only one in-person DCC fellow is currently planned per year.
Who qualifies as a faculty mentor?
Any active faculty (Assistant Professor or above) at the applicant’s local MPOG site involved in research activities. We strongly recommend that you work with an engaged mentor who has expertise with large observational health research studies. Whereas experience with MPOG research may be beneficial, the faculty mentor isn’t required to have previously been involved in other MPOG research studies.
Is a research or QI plan required in the application?
Yes, the applicant must provide a 1-page research or QI plan based upon the existing standardized data file and other documentation on the MPOG website. This plan may be refined during the first 3 months of the fellowship and will then be approved by the MPOG PCRC or Quality Committee.
Is a training plan required in the application?
Yes, the applicant must include a 1-page training plan and goals.
Is the duration or timing of the fellowship flexible?
We recommend a minimum of a 12-month fellowship, aligned with the academic year (July – June). However, this is some flexibility possible in the start date (ie, could be Sep – Aug)
Where can I learn more about the Standardized Data File used for the Practicum Capstone Project?
Can I be enrolled in as a T32 fellow while participating in the MPOG fellowship?
Yes, current and future T32 fellows can include the MPOG fellowship as part of their T32 postdoctoral training activities as long as the host institution is supportive of the arrangement.