Invent Clinical Scholars Program
Elite Training. Transformative Research. Lasting Impact.
The Invent Clinical Scholars Program at Seattle Children’s is an elite training initiative for clinical subspecialty fellows in pediatrics or internal medicine that develops physician-scientists and pediatric researchers dedicated to bringing hope, care and cures to every child.
This program fosters a unique synergy between clinical care and scientific discovery, fully integrating scholars into Seattle Children’s world-class research enterprise so that every innovation is rooted in the real needs of children and rapidly translated into meaningful solutions that improve young lives.
Admissions open December 2025.
We enroll two clinician-scholars annually through a dedicated application cycle aligned with the academic fellowship calendar.
The Clinical Scholar Experience
The Invent Clinical Scholars Program offers dedicated time, comprehensive mentorship and specialized resources to launch impactful, translational research careers.
Dedicated research time
Scholars receive two years of dedicated, protected research time (80%) to transition from intensive clinical practice into focused, high-impact scientific investigation.
Mentorship triad
Each scholar selects three mentors with complementary expertise to ensure comprehensive support and real-world exposure:
- Laboratory Mentor – advancing rigorous, cutting-edge research
- Clinical Mentor – ensuring alignment with patient-centered care
- Biotech/Industry Mentor – bridging discovery with real-world application
Program directors personally assist each scholar in building their ideal mentorship team from Seattle Children’s network of scientists, clinicians and innovation partners — reflecting our culture of collaboration in pursuit of better outcomes for every child.
Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Each scholar develops a customized IDP with the direct guidance of their diverse mentorship team, charting a clear, successful path toward research independence.
Eligibility and Application Process
Who should apply?
Candidates must be MD or DO physicians (with or without a PhD) who are in their first year of clinical fellowship training in an ACGME-accredited program at one of the following institutions:
- Seattle Children’s
- University of Washington, Department of Pediatrics or Internal Medicine
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center
- Note: Some exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For eligibility questions, please email [email protected].
How to apply
Step 1: Application
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Candidates complete an application form and submit a CV prior to the deadline.
Step 2: Evaluation by Clinical Division Head or Fellowship Program Director
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The Division Head or Fellowship Program Director completes an evaluation form and submits prior to the deadline.
Step 3: Meet with a Clinical Scholars Program Director and submit names for references
- A select group of candidates will be invited to meet with Jim Olson, MD, PhD, or Franck Kalume, PhD, and a program delegate to discuss program fit and research interests.
- If advanced to the next step, candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three individuals who are prepared to provide a reference letter.
- In addition, a director will make recommendations for potential lab mentors. Fellowship Program Directors and Clinical Division Heads may also guide mentor selection.
Step 4: Identify a mentor and a project
A Clinical Scholars Program Manager will facilitate introductions to one to three potential mentors. Candidates will arrange meetings to discuss possible research projects and select a mentor.
Step 5: Submit a research plan
The candidate will prepare a one-page research plan in collaboration with the selected mentor.
Step 6: Admissions decisions
The admissions committee will review all application materials and select candidates for the program. Decisions will be shared with all candidates.
Questions?
Send us an email.