AMA Foundation Applications
The AMA Foundation invites physicians, medical students, and community leaders to apply for a range of initiatives aimed at advancing careers, fostering innovation, and enhancing health outcomes nationwide. These programs provide access to resources, recognition, and support specifically designed for individuals who are making a positive impact in medicine.
Take the initiative. Discover our open programs and apply to join a growing community dedicated to driving meaningful change.
Applications Open on Sept. 28, 2026
We have expanded our Physicians of Tomorrow and are now accepting applications for medical students who will be in their third OR final year of medical school during the 2027-28 academic year. With more than 15 scholarship categories, the program recognizes academic achievement, personal resilience, and a deep commitment to service. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year open September 28, 2026, and close on January 19, 2027.
Applications for the 2027-28 Year Open on Jan. 11, 2027
The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is an immersive experience designed to equip medical students with the tools, confidence, and community to lead with impact. Participants are paired with seasoned physician leaders from the Federation of Medicine and engage in a year-long experience that includes attendance to both the AMA’s Interim and Annual House of Delegates Meeting, monthly webinars, and formal mentorship.
Applications for the 2027-28 LDI year will be open from Monday, January 11 through Monday, March 15.
Nominations Open on Sept. 14, 2026
The Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians, residents, and medical students who demonstrate exceptional compassion, leadership, and service. Through their dedication to patients and communities, they advance health equity and inspire future physician leaders.
Beginning in 2027, Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award recipients will be recognized at the AMA Foundation's National Consortium Convening.
Nominations open September 14, 2026. Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award nominations close November 23, 2026. All other award nominations close on January 11, 2027.
Scholarship FAQs
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Applications must be submitted through the OpenWater application portal. If you are not eligible, the system will prevent you from proceeding.
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Great news! We have expanded our scholarship program in 2027 and will be accepting applications from students who will be in their third OR final year of medical school during the 2027-28 academic year.
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Applications for the 2027 Physicians of Tomorrow scholarships will close on Tuesday, January 19. Please refer to the “Applications” tab on our website for more information about the timeline for this program.
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No. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted through our online portal. Submissions via other methods will not be accepted.
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Upon submission, you will see a confirmation screen and receive a confirmation email. If there is a portion of your application that has not been completed you will receive an error message and be unable to finalize your application. Please confirm with all other parties (financial aid office, Registrar, and letter recommenders) that they have completed their sections of the application prior to clicking “Save and Finalize.”
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Unfortunately, we do not provide individual feedback or share scores/comments from our volunteer reviewers.
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Applications are reviewed by a panel of volunteer reviewers, including physicians, donors, and former recipients.
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Yes. If you apply for a scholarship prior to your third year of medical school and are not awarded a scholarship, you may complete a new application for the cycle prior to your final year of medical school.
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No. Students are only eligible to receive one scholarship during the duration of their medical school training from the AMA Foundation. If you are awarded a scholarship during your third year of medical school, you will not be able to apply prior to your final year of training.