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Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation (FMD RapSDI)

Building research capacity for family medicine scientific discovery by funding practicing family physicians to generate new evidence and innovative models for “what works” in real-world primary care settings.

Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation (FMD RapSDI) is a signature primary care research program funded by the AAFP Foundation in collaboration with the DARTNet Institute. 

How FMD RapSDI Works

FMD RapSDI supports short-term innovative and high-impact research projects led by practicing family physicians. No previous research experience is required. Physicians selected as FMD RapSDI Scholars will serve as Principal Investigators for their projects and will receive support and mentorship from the DARTNet Institute staff to develop and refine a research protocol, perform project activities, and conduct data analysis. Scholars have the opportunity to participate in one or more research conferences/meetings and author a manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

Two practicing family physicians will be selected as 2025 FMD RapSDI scholars. Each scholar receives a $40,000 grant for project associated costs and/or to offset time/salary required to conduct research. The AAFP Foundation does not provide grant funds for indirect or overhead costs, including facility and administration costs.

Key Dates

  • Oct. 1, 2024: Round 1 application period opens
  • Oct. 8; Oct. 10; Dec. 10; Dec. 12, 2024: Online information sessions
  • Jan. 16, 2025: Round 1 application period closes at
    5 p.m. CT
  • May 2025: Round 1 decision letters sent to applicants
  • Sept. 22, 2025: Round 2 application due
  • Nov. 2025: Two scholars selected and notified
  • Jan. 1, 2026: Expected 12-month project start date

RapSDI Application

The 2025 FMD RapSDI application is open October 1, 2024 through January 16, 2025 (application portal closes at 5 p.m. CT). Application submissions are divided into two competitive rounds. All complete Round 1 submissions will be reviewed, and four finalists will be selected and invited to participate and submit a Round 2 application. Round 1 decision notifications will be sent in May 2025.  

If invited to submit for Round 2, selected applicants will work with a mentor to develop a more traditional research plan and budget. If an applicant has not identified a mentor at the time of application, they will be matched with a DARTNet Institute staff member and/or outside research mentor. Round 2 applications are due September 22, 2025.

"The process of applying was inspiring. Round 2 was a mentorship opportunity, and it gave me a set of skills for developing research design and how to apply for a grant. When I became one of the four finalists, I felt I had already received a gift that carried immense value."


Information Sessions

Session Dates

  • Oct. 8, 2024 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 
  • Oct. 10, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. 
  • Dec. 10, 2024 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 
  • Dec. 12, 2024 from 3-4 p.m.

Note: All times are listed in Central Time. 

Please join us for one of our open house-style informational sessions. Each session will include a brief presentation and overview of the RapSDI program and application process along with a Q&A portion. During each session, we will repeat the presentation to allow participants to join and exit the session at any time. 


RapSDI Eligibility


RapSDI Scholar Deliverables

  1. Complete project/intervention as outlined in proposal submitted during Round 2 application.
  2. Prepare brief quarterly reports due March and June, Sept., and Dec. of the project cycle year.
  3. Write a final report, which may be in the form of a manuscript for a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
  4. Present a research poster or presentation on project results at an appropriate meeting or conference.
  5. Allow AAFP to feature Scholar and project in promotions for FMD RapSDI.
  6. Participate in 1-3 professional development activities as appropriate for Scholar’s career goals.

Meet Previous Scholars


Volunteer

The AAFP is seeking volunteer peer reviewers and mentors for FMD RapSDI.  


Frequently Asked Questions