The FUEL Program aims to increase diversity in pediatric medical education leadership through professional development and mentorship of early career faculty. Participants will be exposed to the many careers in pediatric medical education, as well as the professional development opportunities and educational leaders within the APPD community. The program is based on mentorship, sponsorship and representation with a focus on experiential learning.
Instructions
The APPD is pleased to announce a call for two new faculty members to serve as at-large members within the APPD FUEL Program Leadership. New faculty members will join the APPD FUEL Program Leadership which oversees FUEL, a program which aims to increase diversity in pediatric medical education leadership through professional development and mentorship of early career faculty. FUEL Program Leadership members are responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the APPD FUEL program, as well as choosing participants.
If you are interested in becoming a candidate for a position within the FUEL Program Leadership, please see the criteria and details of the selection process on the APPD FUEL Program Leadership on-line application site. COMPLETION OF FUEL IS NOT A PRE-REQUISITE.
All materials must be submitted by January 12, 2026.
Criteria for Selection of APPD FUEL Program Leadership Members
A. Experience
- At least three years of leadership experience in graduate medical education (in one or more roles as Vice Chair of Education, Program Director, Associate/Assistant Program Director, Fellowship Director, and/or Associate/Assistant Fellowship Director)
B. General Expertise
- Verbal communication skills
- Written communication skills
- Presentation skills (i.e., seminars, workshops)
- Collaboration
- Group facilitation skills
- Mentoring
C. Specific Expertise welcome but not required, for example:
- Specific expertise is welcome but not required (e.g., diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; clinical operations; professional development; professional coaching; educational scholarship; program development; educational leadership, grant writing, etc.).
D. Responsibilities
- Sixteen meetings per year, including quarterly 1-hr Program Leadership meetings and 12 monthly FUEL cohort sessions. Participation will fall on approximately 16 days in addition to the APPD Spring Meeting.
[NOTE: Past Chair, Chair, and Chair-Elect will receive complimentary Conference registration to the APPD Spring Meeting]
- Attend a kick-off session held March 2026 (1/2 day) prior to the APPD FUEL session at the Spring Meeting in Denver.
- Attend APPD FUEL Spring Session on 4/14/26, which includes a debrief session the afternoon of April 14.
- APPD FUEL cohort meetings mostly fall on the second Monday of the month for 2026-2027.
- Participate in quarterly leadership Zoom conference calls
- You will be paired with a FUEL Scholar; meeting frequency is at your discretion, but should be at least every 3 months
- Work with senior FUEL Program Leadership members to present/facilitate workshops and presentations at 1-2 FUEL sessions during the year
- Contribute to the scholarship projects and products of the FUEL Program Leadership
- Meet all deadlines as assigned
- Program Leadership members serve three-year terms. If you move into the chair-elect position, your term may be extended up to an additional three years
E. Application Materials
- 1-page letter of interest specifically addressing the following: graduate medical education experience; evidence of broad knowledge of program leadership, responsibilities, and challenges; your contributions to building an environment of inclusion and belonging; any areas of expertise or special interest.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from superiors or colleagues who have current and direct knowledge of your flexibility, collaboration, and expertise in graduate medical education, including mentorship, scholarship, curriculum development, and professional development
- Curriculum vitae
F. Special Considerations
- As we recruit additional APPD FUEL Program Leadership members, we are committed to fostering and enhancing equity, inclusion and belonging within the FUEL Program Leadership.
Application Process:
- Applicants submit application materials via online submission form by January 12, 2026
- FUEL Program Leadership reviews applications
- FUEL Program Leadership recommends names of new Program Leadership members to the APPD Board of Directors
- APPD Board of Directors determines final approval of new FUEL Program Leadership

