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The NIH Academy

Health disparities affect all of us from the perspectives of equity, economics, and quality of life. NIH defines health disparities research toBeing a part of the NIH Academy was life changing and inspired me to work with under served communities in my career include basic, clinical, and social sciences studies that focus on identifying, understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating health conditions such as diseases, disorders, and other conditions that are unique to, more serious, or more prevalent in subpopulations in socioeconomically disadvantaged (i.e., low education level, live in poverty) and medically underserved, rural, and urban communities.

The NIH Academy offers trainees the opportunity to learn about health disparities, enhance their knowledge of gaps in health outcomes, and investigate what is being done to address health disparity issues. The NIH Academy trains future researchers and physician scientists to actively engage in promoting a society in which all people live healthy lives and have equal access to health care. Postbaccalaureates can choose between two different NIH Academy Programs 1) The NIH Academy Certificate Program and 2) The NIH Academy Fellows Program.  Please click on the links to learn more about the Academy curriculum, the Academy Certificate Program, and the Academy Fellows Program.

Program Eligibility:

All Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Awardees (IRTAs) , Cancer Research Training Awardees (CRTAs) and Technical IRTA/CRTAs at the NIH are eligible to participate in the NIH Academy as are individuals who have accepted one of these positions. If you are not currently a Postbaccalureate IRTA but want to be a part of the NIH Academy you must first apply to the NIH Postbac IRTA program  and be accepted into a research group. Please take advantage of the Postbaccalaureate applicant advice resources and FAQs. Reading all the information available will greatly increase your success of being accepting into the Post Baccalaureate IRTA program. Once you are accepted into the Postbac IRTA Program, you can apply to the Academy.

All trainees interested in the NIH Academy should submit a cover letter for acceptance.  It is best to highlight your interest in health disparities and any experience that you've had or experience that you would like to acquire.  We would also like to hear about how health disparities may fit into your career goals.  You are encouraged to inform us of which program you are interested in and why.  Lastly, please provide information regarding research that you have done in the past and/or are currently working on (this research experience does not have to be related to health disparities). 

Download the NIH Academy flyer.