Eligibility

1. Are within 5-15 years after completing your terminal degree.

2. A current member of the USASP.

Commitment

1. Attend the pre-conference Leadership Academy workshop and our annual meeting.

2. Participation in virtual mentorship and learning communities.

3. Attend monthly meetings throughout the duration of the program with other Leaders.

Required Application Materials

1. A one-page cover letter explaining your motivation in seeking leadership training and a description of prospective opportunities following the Academy's completion. 

2. A one-page description of your proposed capstone leadership project (see below). 

3. A CV or NIH Biosketch (preferred).

4. Letter of support from your supervisor.

5. Letter of recommendation that attests to your leadership potential.

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Capstone Project

Apply training from our Leadership Academy to pilot and refine your capstone project. Ideal projects should address an important health or healthcare issue related to pain, whether locally relevant or internationally applicable.  The capstone should integrate leadership skills and tangibly advance your career.

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Some Project Examples

• Building a collaborative or mentoring team

• Supporting a career development award or grant submission

• Expanding access to pain care

• Refining hospital policies about pain management

• Organizing a USASP event or advocacy activity 

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Core Competencies

1. Strategic thinking, including long-term goals.

2. Management of yourself and others, including emotional IQ and team dynamics.

3. Effective communication, including negotiating, self-promotion, and managing conflict.

4. Program Development, including financial management, leveraging networks and systems, and leading change.

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Annual Leadership Academy Timelines

1. Applications open annually in August.

2. Application deadline in October.

3. Candidates are notified of acceptance into the program by late November. 

4. Kick-off happens at our annual meeting in April.

5. Individual mentors are identified and quarterly meetings begin late summer

6. Group mentoring, monthly webinars, and peer mentoring begin in September.

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Submission Process

Please upload all required documents as a single PDF in the following order:

1. Your one-page cover letter

2. Your one-page description of your proposed capstone leadership project. 

3. A CV or NIH Biosketch (preferred).

4. Letter of support from your supervisor.

5. Letter of recommendation that attests to your leadership potential.

6. Confirm that your file is correct and your PDF is 'viewable.'

7. Please title your document 'FIRSTANDLASTNAME_ LeadershipApplication.pdf'

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Application Review Criteria

1. Ability to fulfill the time commitment, including participation in at least 75% of monthly meetings, online learning, and mentoring community meetings.

2. The applicant’s leadership aspirations and how it was conveyed in their application.

3. The applicant’s 'big picture' vision for, and compelling description of their proposed capstone project.

4. A record of mentoring the next generation of pain scholars commensurate with experience level.

5. Documented support from a supervisor for the time commitment required for participation.