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Tandigm Scholars

The Tandigm Scholars Program is a nonprofit organization that awards financial assistance to deserving primary care physicians. The Program is a demonstration of Tandigm Health’s commitment to Primary Care.

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Annually, the Scholars Program awards $60,000 to five primary care physicians, who are part of a Tandigm Health primary care practice, to pay toward educational debt. Each Scholar is entitled to receive $20,000 per year for a three-year period, for a total of $60,000 per Scholar.

Tandigm Scholars has four primary goals:

  1. Encourage more medical students to practice primary care medicine.
  2. Enable more primary care doctors to enter private practice and provide primary health care services.
  3. Assist Tandigm primary care practices in their efforts to attract, develop and retain high quality primary care physicians (who have substantial student loans), thus enhancing primary care services within independent primary care physician practices.
  4. Educate new primary care physicians and elevate the specific primary care skillset needed to successfully transform existing primary healthcare delivery models to new models based upon value based care and population health.

An extension of Tandigm Health’s commitment to Primary Care

Tandigm Health has a mission: engage, enable and empower Primary Care Physicians and their practices to help ensure patients get the finest possible care, so they get healthy and stay healthy. 

To learn more about Tandigm Health, visit the website.

Meet the Scholars

“I cannot express enough gratitude about being named a Tandigm scholar. It shows that there are still some who are committed to Primary Care and see the value in the work that we do. I could not be more excited about the opportunities this scholarship will give me, in both a mentoring capacity, as well as finally laying my debt to rest.”Lori Truman-Kraft, MD

The 2019 Tandigm Scholars

Dr. Nicholas Kalman
Dr. Nicholas Kalman
GMA: VILLAGE FAMILY MEDICINE AT LIONVILLE
Dr. David E. Lewis
Dr. David E. Lewis
BUCKS FAMILY MEDICINE
Dr. Aekata Shah
Dr. Aekata Shah
STOLL MEDICAL GROUP
Dr. Rachel Sugarman
Dr. Rachel Sugarman
LOWER MERION FAMILY MEDICINE
Dr. Jaime Wolf
Dr. Jaime Wolf
ST. MARY HEALTH RICHBORO

The 2018 Tandigm Scholars

Dr. Jessica Baker
Dr. Jessica Baker
Baker Family Medical Associates
Dr. Alexandra Doroshow
Dr. Alexandra Doroshow
Tri Valley: Upper Perkiomen Office
Dr. Ellen Kim
Dr. Ellen Kim
Wrightstown Family Medicine
Dr. Teiah Moore
Dr. Teiah Moore
Family Practice of Newtown
Dr. Jessica Schleusner
Dr. Jessica Schleusner
Gateway Family Practice Downingtown

The 2017 Tandigm Scholars

Dr. Drew Rowan
Dr. Drew Rowan
Gateway Colonial Family Practice
Dr. Brittney Scardino
Dr. Brittney Scardino
TriValley Primary Care – Upper Perkior Lansdale
Dr. Gawu Bankole
Dr. Gawu Bankole
Spring-Ford Family Practice
Dr. Valerie McAuley
Dr. Valerie McAuley
Family Practice Associates of Exton and Chester County

The 2016 Tandigm Scholars

Dr. Charles Catania
Dr. Charles Catania
Gateway Medical Associates MSL
Dr. Lauren Kummer
Dr. Lauren Kummer
Mount Airy Family Practice
Dr. Kathleen Lawlor
Dr. Kathleen Lawlor
Devon Family Practice
Dr. Lori Truman-Kraft
Dr. Lori Truman-Kraft
Hatboro Medical Associates

The 2015 Tandigm Scholars

Dr. Patti Anolik
Dr. Patti Anolik
NEWTOWN MEDICAL GROUP
Dr. Kathryn Bowry
Dr. Kathryn Bowry
NORTH WILLOW GROVE FAMILY MEDICINE
Dr. Natalie McGann
Dr. Natalie McGann
TRIVALLEY PRIMARY CARE, FRANCONIA
Dr. David Verbofsky
Dr. David Verbofsky
NINTH STREET INTERNAL MEDICINE

Eligible Applicants

If you think you have what it takes to be a Scholar, then we want to hear from you!


Eligibility Criteria

1. Candidates are to be new or incoming PCPs with any affiliated Tandigm Health Practice.
Click to view the Tandigm Health PCP practices.

2. Preference will be shown towards candidates who are newer to their respective Tandigm Health Practice. Candidates do not need to be directly graduating from a primary care residency.

3. Candidates must be able to provide documentation of their existing educational debt. Preference will be shown toward educational debt.

4. Candidates must provide a “Practice Verification of support for Scholar.” This document requires the support of the candidates practice to support and commit to the Scholars three-year program.

5. Applicants are required to certify the accuracy, truthfulness, and completeness of their online application and supporting documentation.

6. Candidates must complete the Scholar application process and provide all required documentation as outlined in the application.

Commitments

  • You must commit to a three-year program where you actively participate in the mentor program and proactively engage in enhancing the Tandigm Health Model.
  • You must agree to and continue to meet the Tandigm Scholars Service Requirements (see FAQ) to maintain Scholar’s status. Scholars who fail to meet the ongoing requirements are at risk of losing their status as a Scholar.

FAQ

What costs does the scholarship cover?

  • Tandigm will pay the scholarship award by check directly to the scholar for purposes of repaying existing educational debt related to their medical school education.
  • Scholarship funds are intended to be used only toward existing educational debt and any applicable income taxes.

What about tax information?

Scholars are responsible for reporting income received from The Tandigm Scholars Program to the IRS and ensuring they pay the appropriate federal, state, and/or local taxes accordingly.

What are the service requirements?

  • Scholars will provide an “Annual Executive Summary” of their work related to The Tandigm Scholars Program. This is a one-page executive summary of their projects. All Scholars will have the opportunity to present their projects annually.
  • Scholars will provide an “Annual Review and Refresh of Enhanced Role.” This document outlines the commitment of the practice and Scholar to the Program. Scholars will complete this in year 2 and 3 of the Scholar Program.
  • Scholars will provide an “Annual Attestation of Medical Educational Debt Repayment.” Scholars must attest that Scholarship proceeds (minus any estimated applicable income taxes) were applied to the repayment of existing educational debt. Supporting documentation may be required.
  • Scholars will provide a “Mentor and Mentee Partnership Record Form.” This outlines the structure and goals of the Mentor Program.
  • Scholars will notify the Tandigm Scholar Program of any changes in Scholar address, email, name, and any other relevant contact or personal information.
  • Scholars and their practices will immediately notify The Tandigm Scholars Program of changes in employment status, including withdrawal or dismissal from a Tandigm practice, a leave of absence, and/or a change from full-time status. (The Tandigm Scholars Program will review cases of extenuating circumstances surrounding a change from full-time status, where appropriate.)
  • Scholars must maintain appropriate accreditation and/or licensure status.
  • Scholars will sign and submit an annual attestation certifying they have met the Scholarship Ongoing Requirements for that annual scholarship period.

When is the scholarship period?

Each Scholar class is from July 1 to June 30 for a service of 3 years.

Can I serve part-time instead of full-time?

  • The scholar agrees in submitting the application that their intent is to remain employed on a full-time basis for the full 3-year duration of the scholarship period.
  • However, should extenuating circumstances prevail, the scholar and their practice are required to immediately notify the Tandigm Scholars Program of the change of employment status (see Scholars Ongoing Requirements). The Tandigm Board of Directors will review the circumstances and make a determination as to how to proceed with regards to further disbursements of the scholarship award.

What if I do not fulfill the requirements?

Failure to complete service for any reason is a breach of the terms of the scholarship. Tandigm will work with Scholars to assist them, to the extent possible, to avoid a breach and fulfill the scholarship requirements. A scholar should immediately contact Tandigm if a situation arises in which he/she is potentially unable to fulfill his/her educational and service obligation.

What are examples of “enhanced support” for Tandigm Health Programs?

Examples might include (but are not limited to):

  • Developing an action plan to address specific needs of a patient population in their practice to improve their quality of care (i.e. mental health care, etc.);
  • Serving as a “super user” of the Tandigm Health population health management tool;
  • Serving as the Tandigm Quality Improvement (QI) physician liaison for their practice;
  • Be appointed a practice liaison to all Tandigm related POD meetings, and function with the responsibility of ensuring all physicians and employees of the practice are fully informed of both new and existing Tandigm Care Delivery Support Model programs;
  • Lead their practice participation as part of a pilot program developed by Tandigm Health related to quality of care.

What happens if my employment status changes?

In submitting the application, the applicant agrees that their intent is to remain employed full-time with a Tandigm Health, LLC contracted practice. Should a change in employment status occur, the scholar and their practice are required to immediately notify Tandigm (see ‘Scholarship Ongoing Requirements’) and the following actions may be taken:
Leave of Absence
Extenuating circumstances subject to review by the Tandigm Scholars Board of Directors, may result in actions up to and including termination of scholarship.
Change from Full-Time Status
Extenuating circumstances subject to review by the Tandigm Scholars Board of Directors; may result in actions up to and including termination of scholarship.
Withdrawal or Dismissal from a Tandigm Practice
Termination of scholarship. There is no pro-rata payment for partial years served.
Practice Withdrawal from Tandigm Network
Termination of scholarship. There is no pro-rata payment for partial years served.
Changes in Accreditation and/or Licensure Status
Termination of scholarship. There is no pro-rata payment for partial years served.
Death
In the unfortunate event of a scholar’s death, any obligation to Tandigm is cancelled in its entirety. No liability will apply to the scholar’s heirs.

What is the Scholar Project?

  • If awarded a Scholar, you have the opportunity to invest your passion into research, problem solving, and enhancing care. The Scholar Project aims for you to develop a project in a specific area or “role” within Tandigm Health (ie. VIP Physician within practice). The project must be able to clearly define an expectation to improve quality outcomes and or reduce unnecessary costs. Consideration to specific measurable goals and targets should be given when developing a project.
  • One project may span for 3 years or three individual projects may be undertaken over the course of 3 years. Each project must last at least one year. Many Scholars have chosen to pursue one project per year. Choosing a project or role may be difficult. It is encouraged to leverage and work with a Tandigm Scholar Mentor to develop a project proposal. You may also communicate with a Tandigm Clinical Network Liaison or any representative from the Tandigm Scholars.
  • Scholars will provide an “Annual Executive Summary” of their proposed work to the Tandigm Scholars Program Administrators. This is a one-page summary of the Scholar’s educational work as a Tandigm Scholar in the upcoming year.

What mentorship is involved?

During the duration of a three-year program, Scholars will receive mentorship from a designated Tandigm Health Mentor. Mentors will aim to provide support for personal and professional development, and ultimately help engage enhancements to Tandigm Health programs based on Scholars area of interest and scholar project.

Online Application

© 2020 Tandigm Scholars

The 2020 Tandigm Scholars Application Process

Before you begin your application, please read more about the Tandigm Scholars Program eligibility and ongoing requirements, as well as other documentation you will be required to submit to complete your application.

The Scholarship

Each year, up to five Tandigm Health Primary Care Physicians will be honored as a Tandigm Scholar. Scholars will be awarded $20,000 each year over the course of three years. The total Scholarship caps at $60,000 and must be used to offset existing educational debt.

Scholars may lose their status of a Scholar should they not meet the ongoing eligibility and service requirements of the Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Candidates are to be new or incoming PCPs with any affiliated Tandigm Health Practice.
  2. Preference will be shown towards candidates who are newer to their respective Tandigm Health Practice. Candidates do not need to be directly graduating from a primary care residency.
  3. Candidates must be able to provide documentation of their existing educational debt. Preference will be shown toward educational debt.
  4. Candidates must provide a “Practice Verification of Support for Scholar.” This document requires the candidate’s practice to support and commit to the Scholars three-year program.
  5. Applicants are required to certify the accuracy, truthfulness, and completeness of their online application and supporting documentation.
  6. Candidates must complete the Scholar application process and provide all required documentation as outlined in the application.

 

Scholarship Ongoing Requirements:

Scholars must continue to meet the Scholar Program service requirements to maintain their Scholar’s status. Scholars who fail to meet the ongoing requirements are at risk of losing their status as a Scholar. These ongoing requirements include the following:

  • Scholars will provide an “Annual Executive Summary” of their work related to The Tandigm Scholars Program. This is a one-page executive summary of their projects.  All Scholars will have the opportunity to present their projects annually.
  • Scholars will provide an “Annual Review and Refresh of Enhanced Role.” This document outlines the commitment of the practice and Scholar to the Program. Scholars will complete this in year 2 and 3 of the Scholar Program.
  • Scholars will provide an “Annual Attestation of Medical Educational Debt Repayment.” Scholars must attest that Scholarship proceeds (minus any estimated applicable income taxes) were applied to the repayment of existing educational debt. Supporting documentation may be required.
  • Scholars will provide a “Mentor and Mentee Partnership Record Form.” This outlines the structure and goals of the Mentor Program.
  • Scholars will notify the Tandigm Scholar Program of any changes in Scholar address, email, name, and any other relevant contact or personal information.
  • Scholars and their practices will immediately notify The Tandigm Scholars Program of changes in employment status, including withdrawal or dismissal from a Tandigm practice, a leave of absence, and/or a change from full-time status. (The Tandigm Scholars Program will review cases of extenuating circumstances surrounding a change from full-time status, where appropriate.)
  • Scholars must maintain appropriate accreditation and/or licensure status.
  • Scholars will sign and submit an annual attestation certifying they have met the Scholarship Ongoing Requirements for that annual scholarship period.

Application Details

Part 1: The Online Application

The online application can be found by visiting www.TandigmScholars.org.  Applicants must complete all portions of the application and provide a detailed essay. Sections include:

    1. Personal & Practice Information
    2. Your Education & Training
    3. Resume/CV
    4. Essay

Part 2: Request of Supporting Documentation

After submitting an online application, the applicant’s application will be reviewed for completeness. The applicant will then be contacted via email from Scholars@TandigmHealth.com within two business days, and asked to either review, submit, or complete the following:

  • Scholar FAQ
  • Attestation of Accuracy
  • Practice Verification of Support for Scholar
  • Proof of Existing Educational Debt related to medical training (including total amount of educational debt). Acceptable forms of documentation include (but may not be limited to) loan statements and/or bank statements (with sufficient proof related to educational debt).

Each applicant will have the opportunity to revise their application prior to the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All applicants are encouraged to apply in advance of the deadline.

Application Deadline

The application and all supporting documentation must be submitted by March 15, 2020.

Candidate Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on both objective and subjective evaluation criteria.  Interviews may be requested at the discretion of The Tandigm Scholars Program.

Notification of an Award

Applicants selected as Scholars will be notified of the award no later than Friday, May 1, 2020. All awards need to be accepted by Friday, May 29, 2020.

If an award is not accepted by an applicant by the Friday, May 29, 2020 deadline, it will be revoked and withdrawn, and may be offered to an alternative applicant, who then must accept the award no later than Friday, June 12, 2020.

For Assistance

Please contact Scholars@TandigmHealth.com

 

Notice Provision

The Tandigm Scholars Program accepts primary care physicians of any race, color, religion, and national and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the Scholars.  The Tandigm Scholars Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its policies; the nomination, eligibility and selection criteria; the terms and conditions applicable to the scholarship participants; the time commitment required of the Scholars; and any other Program administered activity.