PORTLAND, Ore. (January 8, 2019) – The Cambia Health Foundation has opened the 2019 Sojourns® Scholar Leadership Program Call for Applications.  Individuals from around the country including physicians, nurses, social workers, physician assistants, chaplains, psychologists, pharmacists and other health system professionals are encouraged to apply.

The Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program is designed to identify, cultivate and advance the next generation of palliative care leaders. As part of the leadership program, Sojourns Scholars receive $180,000 in funding ($90,000/year over a two-year period) to conduct an innovative and impactful clinical, policy, education, or systems change project in the field of palliative care. Scholars receive individual mentorship and support to implement a plan designed to support their personal growth as a national leader in the field.

Interested individuals must submit a Letter of Intent by February 28, 2019. After review, a select group of applicants will be invited to submit full grant applications by June 17, 2019. More information, including details about eligibility, is available on the Foundation website on the Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program page.

“Developing a person-centered ecosystem of serious illness care requires leaders who can bring innovation, expertise and leadership to a national platform and drive sustainable system change,” said Peggy Maguire, president and board chair, Cambia Health Foundation. “The future of serious illness care—and the health care system’s capacity to care for our most vulnerable patients and their caregivers— rests on our ability to build a strong palliative care workforce.”

The Cambia Health Foundation launched the Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program in 2014 with the goal of advancing capacity, leadership and innovation in the field of palliative care. Since the program started, Cambia has awarded more than $9 million to 52 scholars around the country, each focused on different areas of palliative care, but all committed to improving the experience of people and families facing serious illness.

“The Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program has been transformative. Participating in Sojourns has afforded me with opportunities to be much more involved at the national level and to develop the leadership skills needed to be a clinical director of a pediatric palliative care program.”  
“As a result of the Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program, I am more attuned to observing, and improving, my own leadership style, as well as observing and learning from leadership in others. This has been one of the most professionally and personally rewarding experiences I have ever had.”

CONTACT           

For Cambia Health Foundation                                                                 
Mary Frances Baldes                                                                                                                      
(503) 225-4940                                                                                                 
maryfrances.baldes@Cambiahealth.com