Quality Improvement Scholars Program

Program Overview

The Quality Improvement Scholars Program (QISP) is a year-long training program designed to support individuals seeking advanced training in QI research methods and leadership skills. Graduates of the program are capable of leading, publishing and mentoring others engaged in quality-focused projects.

What the QI Scholars Program Offers

12 interactive, monthly seminars covering QI research methods and leadership skills
One-on-one mentoring from QI research experts
Data analytic and statistical support (provided for Seattle Children’s and UW Department of Pediatrics applicants only)
Access to a community of peers from across the health system who are engaged in rigorous quality improvement projects
Flexibility to join sessions live or review recorded content on course website
Certificate of Excellence in QI Scholarship

Curriculum and Dates

October 8, 2026: Welcome to QI Scholars and Fundamentals of Quality Improvement
November 12, 2026: Advanced QI Tools and Applications + IRB Tips
December 14, 2027: Assessing and Improving Disparities Using QI Research Methods
January 11, 2027: Leading Change
February 11, 2027: Survey Development in Quality Improvement Research
March 11, 2027: Introduction to Implementation Science
April 8, 2027: Health Economics and QI Supply, Demand and Value and Decision Analysis
May 13, 2027: Introduction to Statistical Process Control/Using QI Charts Software
June 10, 2027: Interrupted Time Series Analysis in QI Research
July 15, 2027: Geospatial Analysis in Quality Improvement
August 12, 2027: Advanced SPC and Challenging Cases
September 9, 2027: Leadership in Quality Improvement

Program and Tuition Information for Applicants

Internal applicants (Seattle Children’s and UW Department of Pediatrics)

Read Program Information for Internal Applicants.

Apply Now (Internal Applicants)

External applicants (UW Medicine and other hospitals)

Tier 1. VIRTUAL, curriculum only. QI research and leadership curriculum (12 half-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
Participants attend monthly, half-day QI research and leadership didactic sessions via Zoom. The sessions are led by national experts in the field of QI science. Access to recorded didactic sessions plus course readings and materials available to enrolled participants via the course website. See curriculum and dates above for full list of session dates and topics.
- Tuition
  - UW Medicine: $2,500
  - Other hospitals (outside of UW Medicine system) : $3,500
Tier 2. IN PERSON at Seattle Children’s. QI research and leadership curriculum (12 full-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Sessions held at Seattle Children’s. Scholars are exposed to QI research methods and leadership skills during 12 monthly seminars. The sessions are led by national experts in QI science. The morning seminars are a blend of didactics, small group exercises and practical hands-on applications.

The monthly sessions are structured as follows:
- 8:30–9 a.m.: Breakfast (optional)
- 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: Interactive didactic seminar
- 12–1 p.m.: Lunch and break
- 1–3 p.m.: Work in Progress and/or guided project work time
Tier 2 participants are expected to work on a local QI project in tandem with program participation. Participants at this level receive one-on-one mentoring from a QI research expert. Applicants are encouraged to identify their own data analytics/statistical support. Tier 2 participants present a Work in Progress at least twice during program participation. These presentations are excellent opportunities to address project barriers with the larger group and active participation/engagement is expected. Participants at this level also have access to 12 recorded QI research didactic sessions plus course readings and materials.
- Tuition
  - UW Medicine: $4,500