Frequently Asked Questions

Application FAQ

  1. How do I submit my application?
  2. Can I make changes to my application after I have submitted it?
  3. How will I know that my application is received after I have submitted it?
  4. What is the application submission deadline?
  5. When does the program start?
  6. How long will it take for me to receive an interview invitation?
  7. What is the interview process?
  8. How many letters of recommendation are needed?
  9. Can I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
  10. Do you accept DO’s into your program?
  11. Do you sponsor visas?
  12. Do you accept Foreign Medical Graduates?
  13. Do you have a residency/fellowship graduation cut-off date?
  14. How are scholars selected?
  15. What clinical experience is required to be appointed as a BWF Scholar?
  16. What research experience is required to be appointed as a BWF Scholar?

Incubator Program FAQ

  1. How many positions does your program offer?
  2. How long is the program?
  3. What is the appointment status of BWF Scholars?
  4. Will my employment status change while I am a BWF Scholar?
  5. Does the program offer any additional financial support outside of salary support?
  6. Do you require that an applicant already have a research mentor to start in this program?
  7. What is required to successfully graduate from the Incubator Program?
  8. What is included in the core curriculum of the program?

Application Answers

  1. Click on Burroughs Wellcome Scholar Application to begin the application process
  2. You cannot make changes to your application once it has been submitted.
  3. You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received within 48 hours of application submission.
  4. Applications will be accepted from November 2022 - to February 2023.
  5. The program runs on the academic calendar July 1 – June 30
  6. Rolling interviews will be held from January - to March 2023.  Interview invitations will be sent out within 1 week of the application being received.  Applicants will need to be flexible when scheduling interviews based on our faculty members' availability.
  7. Each applicant is required to complete 3 interviews.  One interview will be with the Program Director, Dr. Richard Steinman, the second interview will be with the Chair of our Admissions Committee, Dr. Edith Tzeng, and the third interview will be with another one of our Admission Committee members.
  8. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
    1. Letter of support from a current or prior mentor
    2. Letter from current residency/fellowship Program Director stating that you are in good academic standing and that you are meeting all of the ACGME milestone requirements (if enrolled in an ACGME accredited program) of your specialty
    3. Letter of support from current Department Chair or Division Chief (program will obtain this letter on your behalf)
  9. No, the maximum is three.
  10. Yes, applicants are required to have an MD or DO degree.
  11. We do not sponsor visas.  Applicants must be US citizens or US permanent residents with current green card status.
  12. We do accept Foreign Medical Graduates; however, we do not sponsor visas. 
  13. No, but individuals cannot hold a faculty position at UPMC or the University of Pittsburgh during the BWF support period.
  14. Our BWF Scholars are chosen by our Admissions Committee, which is comprised of multi-disciplinary faculty members and is distinct from any residency/fellowship program selection committees.
  15. Applicants are eligible to apply from PGY-1 to the end of their PGY-level training.  In most cases, applicants have completed 1-3 post-graduate years of training and thus have initiated contact with a potential research mentor or team of mentors.
  16. Productive prior research experience is advantageous; however, published research or research experience is one of multiple factors considered in holistic review of applicant applications.

Program Answers

  1. The number of offers depends on the quality and size of the applicant pool. At least 4 scholar spots are anticipated annually.
  2. This will vary by the training status at entry. In general 2 research years per trainee and available program activities during research-flanking years can be expected.
  3. Trainees entering beginning in 2020 are appointed as Postdoctoral Scholar
  4. If you are a UPMC employee, then your employment status will change to a Postdoctoral Scholar and, you will receive a salary stipend from the University of Pittsburgh. 
  5. Yes all BWF Scholars are eligible to receive the following specialized benefits:
    •  Individual sessions with executive career coaches
    • Time Management support
    • Training Related Expenses support (i.e. lab supplies, books, etc.)
    • Travel support
    • Tuition support
  6. No, the program can work with you and your program to help identify optimal research mentors. There are a number of excellent mentors are associated with the BWF PSIP program.
  7. The following are program requirements to successfully complete the program:
    • Develop and complete a research project with submission quality manuscript(s) or publication(s)
    • Participate in and complete the program curriculum, including personal coaching sessions
    • Complete all surveys either for program quality improvement or, with consent,  as research
    • Participate in bi-annual program symposium and upon request in External Advisory Board meeting activities
    • Complete a minimum of 4 hours of Responsible Conduct of Research training
    ​The following are strongly encouraged to complete while in the program:
    • Submit a grant proposal (LRP, F32, DoD, CAMS (BWF) or other Foundation)
    • Begin the process of applying for an NIH K- award
    • Present at a national meeting(s)
    • Develop expertise in mentorship
  8. Personal & Professional Development and Foundational Investigatory & Scientific Skills will be the primary focus of the curriculum. These will be taught through workshops, BWF Scholar classes, formal University of Pittsburgh courses, and customized elective courses.