JOLT: Learner Eligibility & Application

Just-in-Time Opportunities for Leadership Training (JOLT) is a leadership development program designed for rising leaders in family medicine residency education. Through self-paced learning, mentorship, collaborative learning sessions, and a Capstone project, participants will develop practical leadership skills to advance their careers and strengthen their programs. 

JOLT 1st Cohort Application Timeline: 

📅 July 13, 2026 – Applications Open 

📅 September 1, 2026 – Application Deadline 

📅 September 13, 2026 – Class Roster Announced & Acceptance Notifications Sent 

📅 December 1, 2026 – Full Payment Due 

Program Details: 

· Cohort size: 12 participants 

· Program dates: January–July 2027 

· Time commitment: Part-time, longitudinal (asynchronous learning + monthly virtual sessions) 

· Capstone Project: Presentation at the 2027 AAFP FUTURE Conference 

Tuition & Cost 

· Total tuition: $4,000 per participant 

· ABFM Foundation scholarship: 50% for the first cohort 

· Final cost to institution: $2,000 per participant 

· Travel: Learners are responsible for making travel arrangements and securing any necessary funding to attend the AAFP FUTURE Conference (July 2027). 

 

Eligibility 

Applicants must: 

  1. Become an AFMRD associate member upon acceptance, if not already a member 

  1. Three years in family medicine residency-based practice OR current role in family medicine residency-based leadership  

    1. associate program director
    2. residency clinic medical director
    3. director of osteopathic education
    4. residency site or track director
    5. fellowship director
    6. medical student clerkship director 

  1. Commit to:  

    1. Completing all program requirements by July 2027.
    2. Attending ALL required virtual learning sessions (See the schedule below).
    3. Completing a Capstone Project that applies leadership concepts and skills gained through the program to address a meaningful opportunity or challenge within the learner’s residency program, institution, or clinical environment.
    4. Participating in a designated in-person learning experience upon completion of the program and presenting the Capstone Project. For the inaugural cohort, this will be the AAFP FUTURE Conference in July 2027.
    5. Providing comprehensive evaluation and feedback on the program 
    6. Optional: Serving as a peer mentor for a future cohort meeting virtually with one applicant for about 30 minutes once a month 

 

Applicants must submit the following: 

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

  1. Personal Statement (maximum one page) describing: 

    • Why you are applying to JOLT
    • Your professional and leadership goals
    • How participation in JOLT will help you achieve those goals
    • How the program will support your growth as a leader
    • Your mentorship needs and goals 

  1. Capstone Project Proposal (125 words or less) outlining an idea or topic you would like to explore during the program. 

  1. One Letter of Recommendation from a Program Director (PD) or Associate Program Director (APD) who is an AFMRD member. The letter should describe how participation in JOLT will benefit both the applicant and their residency program. Letters should be sent directly to afmrd@aafp.org. 

  1. Statement of Institutional Support from the applicant’s supervisor (e.g., Program Director, Chair, or direct supervisor) confirming that protected time will be provided to support participation in the program. If the supervisor is also serving as the author of the required Letter of Recommendation, the Statement of Institutional Support may be incorporated into the same letter and does not need to be submitted separately. 

Virtual Session Schedule (It is a requirement to attend all virtual sessions)

Please apply here: JOLT 1st Cohort Application Link 

If you have any questions, please email June Cho (jcho@aafp.org).