Cambia Health Foundation Expands Eligibility for 2018 Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program with Call for Applications

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cambia Health Foundation has expanded the 2018 Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program to include physicians, nurses, social workers, physician assistants, chaplains, psychologists, pharmacists and other emerging health system leaders.

The Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program is designed to identify, cultivate and advance the next generation of palliative care leaders. As part of the leadership program, Sojourns Scholars receive $180,000 in funding ($90,000/year over a two-year grant) to conduct an innovative and impactful clinical, policy, education, systems change or research project in the field of palliative care, as well as implement a leadership development plan designed to support growth as a leader in the field.

Interested individuals must submit a Letter of Intent by February 1, 2018. After review, a select group of applicants will be invited to submit full grant applications by June 1, 2018. More information, including details about eligibility, is available at the Sojourns Scholar Leadership page.

The growing need for palliative care leaders cannot be understated. Approximately 90 million Americans are living with progressive illnesses, and that number is expected to rise as our population ages, yet it is currently estimated that there is only one palliative care physician per 1,200 people with serious illness in the United States. 

"To improve the quality of life and experience of people living with serious illness, the Cambia Health Foundation is committed to building the palliative care workforce of tomorrow by investing in emerging leaders across many different disciplines," said Peggy Maguire, president and board chair, Cambia Health Foundation. "Our goal is to be a catalyst for system and culture change by developing leaders who put patients and families first so that they live well in the face of serious illness."

The Cambia Health Foundation launched the Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program in 2014 with the goal of advancing capacity, leadership and innovation in the field of palliative care. Since the program started, Cambia has awarded $7.2 million to 40 scholars around the country, each focused on unique projects, but all committed to developing as leaders to improve the experience of people and families facing serious illness.

As a 2014 Sojourns Scholar Dr. Arif Kamal from Duke University says, "Palliative care is maturing and growing. I believe now is the time to transition our message to others from 'here we are' to 'this is how we promote high-quality care.'"

As a part of his research project, Dr. Kamal focused on palliative care quality measures and how they can help improve patient-centered outcomes. "I came to this field because of personal loss, and will be a lifelong palliative care clinician and researcher because I am continuously inspired by the opportunities to improve the ways we care for those who face the challenges of serious illness," says Dr. Kamal. 

About Cambia Health Foundation 

Based in Portland, Ore., Cambia Health Foundation is the corporate foundation of Cambia Health Solutions, a total health solutions company dedicated to transforming the way people experience health care. Founded in 2007, Cambia Health Foundation awards grants in three program areas: Sojourns (palliative care workforce and leadership development, quality, access and awareness); Transforming Health Care; and Children's Behavioral Health. The foundation has funded over $51 million in grants to advance patient- and family-centered care for all. Learn more at www.cambiahealthfoundation.org, and follow us on Twitter: @CambiaHealthFdn.

SOURCE Cambia Health Foundation