Quality & Safety Physician Leadership Fellowship | MedStar Health

Past projects

Fellows are encouraged to engage in projects with system impact that align with their quality and safety interests. Examples of past projects:

  • Inpatient diabetes management and patient education
  • Patient safety event reporting among resident physicians – trends and opportunities for improvement
  • Diagnostic error multi-health system collaborative – Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine

 

Frequently asked questions

  • How many fellows are accepted into the Quality and Safety Physician Leadership Fellowship?

    At this time, one fellow is selected for the program per year.

  • Is the fellowship full or part-time?

    The program is full-time; the fellow will work 75% on the quality and safety fellowship curriculum and 25% clinically.

  • What is the duration of the fellowship?

    This is a one-year fellowship. At the conclusion of the fellowship, you may choose to enroll in the Georgetown University Online Executive Master’s in Clinical Quality, Safety, and Leadership, which offers multiple options including an Executive Certificate and both full- and part-time Executive Master’s programs.

  • What is the salary for the Fellowship Position

    The salary for this position is at the top of the PGY-4 scale with a total compensation of $125,000

  • Is financial support available for the Executive Master’s Program?

    MedStar Health offers an annual education stipend for approved certification and degree programs. The MedStar Institute for Quality and Safety (MIQS) also offers scholarships. For more information regarding financial aid for the master’s program, e-mail the Executive Master’s in Clinical Quality, Safety, and Leadership program team at emcqsl@georgetown.edu.

  • What is the difference between the fellowship and Online Executive Master’s program?

    The Quality and Safety Physician Leadership Fellowship is designed for clinicians who are interested in an immersive experience in healthcare quality and patient safety. Fellows rotate with subject matter experts to learn key skills like Failure Modes and Effects Analysis and Event Review as well as gain exposure to processes like communication and resolution programs and regulatory readiness. Learning is augmented by attendance at national conferences, committee and team meetings with SMEs, and project leadership.

    The Online Executive Master’s program is a virtual classroom-based learning experience. More information can be found at https://patientsafetymasters.georgetown.edu/.

  • What subject matter will be covered in the fellowship curriculum?

    The curriculum will contain 12 topics that will be covered according to a monthly block schedule:

    1. Patient Safety
    2. Quality, Data Science, and Quality Payment Programs
    3. Risk Management, Communication and Resolution
    4. Performance Improvement
    5. Human Factors Engineering
    6. Quality & Safety Research and Conference Submission Planning
    7. Safety Team Immersion (FMEA and Event Review Process)
    8. Quality Team Immersion
    9. Patient Experience (PFACQS®), Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity
    10. Infection Prevention, Joint Commission and Regulatory Requirements
    11. Leadership and Change Management
    12. Journal Club, Fellowship Report-Out, Conference Proposal Review, Prep for Certification Exams (CPPS, CPHQ)
  • Is the fellowship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)?

    ACGME does not currently accredit any administrative fellowships. There are various models available across the country for administrative fellowships, which this program mirrors. While not recognized yet by the national accreditation body, the fellowship has been closely reviewed and approved by the Graduate Medical Education Committee at MedStar Health and follows CLER Program guidelines for quality and safety.

  • Will interviews take place in-person?

    Candidates will have both virtual and in-person options to interview. Whichever method is most convenient for everyone.

  • If I live out-of-state, will I have to relocate if accepted as the fellow?

    Yes. While portions of the administrative portion of the fellowship can be completed remotely, in-person meetings and site visits are required and add to the immersive learning experience. Clinical work will also be in-person at a MedStar Health clinical location.

  • Will there be opportunity for remote work?

    Yes, there will be opportunities to work remotely when not required to be present on-site.

  • Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?

    Graduating residents, fellows, and attendings in any specialty are encouraged to apply. An interest in healthcare quality and safety is vital, however you do not need to have any prior experience in the field to be considered as a candidate.

  • How do I apply for the fellowship?

    Send the following materials in one PDF bundle to MSHQSFellowship@medstar.net during the application period of September 4, 2024 through November 30, 2024:

    1. Current resume (CV)
    2. Statement of interest (fewer than 500 words on company letterhead) outlining motivation for applying, goals for the fellowship, and any prior work in quality and safety (which is not required).
    3. Letter of support from clinical service line leader (faculty chair, department chair, facility medical director, regional medical director, or pillar chief);

      Note: that if you are applying from a specialty other than primary care this letter will have to come from your pillar chief (on company letterhead).

    4. Letter of recommendation (on company letterhead)

  • Does the fellowship program sponsor visas?

    MedStar Health is committed to employing United States citizens as well as non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. MedStar Health does not discriminate on the basis of citizenship or national origin. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, each new fellow, as a condition of employment, must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) and present documentation establishing identity and employment eligibility. MedStar Health Graduate Medical Education sponsors J-1 visas for its eligible, employed house staff.

  • Where can I go for more information about the fellowship program?

Information sessions

Join us for our bi-weekly information sessions held every other Monday at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. through November 18th. Register for free by selecting your preferred date and time below. We hope to see you there!

Application process

To apply for the FY26 fellowship year, which will convene from July 2025 – June 2026, send the following materials in one PDF file to MSHQSFellowship@medstar.net.

Application period: September 4, 2024 – November 30, 2024

  • Current resume (CV)
  • Statement of interest (fewer than 500 words) explaining motivation for applying, expectations for the fellowship, and prior quality and safety work if applicable.
  • One letter of support, from clinical service line leader, (faculty chair, department chair, facility medical director, regional medical director, or pillar chief) (on company letterhead);
  • One letter of recommendation (on company letterhead)

We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming our new FY26 fellow.

Important dates

  • September 4, 2024: Application season opens
  • November 30, 2024: Application deadline
  • November 2024: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis
  • Official offer will be extended, no later than December 2024

Other important information

  • Start date: July 2025
  • Term: 1 year
  • Benefits: full (includes paid holidays, vacation, and health insurance)

Contact us

Please e-mail the program coordinator, Laria Jones at MSHQSFellowship@medstar.net if you have any questions regarding the fellowship or application process.

You may also follow us on social media on  and for announcements and program information.