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 January 2026.

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.

Nomination and selection

Scholars are selected from applicants who are nominated by leaders from clinical divisions at Seattle Children’s, the University of Washington Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and other collaborating institutions.

Self-nominations are also welcomed and encouraged.

How to apply

Our admissions process involves six easy steps:

Step 1: Attend or view a virtual information session 

  • Submit this form and receive a calendar invitation for an information session to learn more about this unique program.   

Step 2: Nomination and application

  • Interested candidates may self-nominate provided they have an endorsement from the clinical division head or receive a nomination from a clinical division head or fellowship program director.
  • Candidates complete an application form and submit a CV.
  • The clinical division head or fellowship program director completes a candidate evaluation form. 

*The application form and evaluation must both be submitted prior to the deadline.

Step 3: Meet with a 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.
  • If advanced, 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 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 two candidates for the program. Decisions will be shared with all candidates.

Questions?

Send us an email.