AMA picks finalists for medical ed overhaul grants

The American Medical Association has selected 31 proposals to compete for a portion of $10 million in grants in the AMA's Accelerating Change in Medical Education initiative.

In February, 119 applicants—out of 141 eligible medical schools—submitted letters to the AMA with recommendations for changing the way medical schools train physicians.

“More than 80% of U.S. medical schools submitted brief letters of intent outlining their ideas to redesign medical education—an outstanding response that demonstrates medical schools are ready and willing to implement bold, transformative and innovative ideas,” Dr. Jeremy Lazarus, AMA president, said in a release.

The AMA is looking for ideas that align medical student training with the needs of patients, communities and an evolving healthcare landscape. Of the 31 proposals selected, 28 came from individual medical schools and three from groups of collaborating schools.

Those selected will now submit more thorough proposals explaining the specifics of their proposed initiatives by May 15, and winners will then be announced in June at the AMA's semiannual meeting in Chicago. The organization plans to fund eight to 10 projects over the next five years.