Faculty clinicians with the shared lived experiences of those from historically underrepresented populations in medicine are a tremendous resource. These individuals enhance the experiences of the learners they teach, the patients they serve, and the organizations of which they are a part. The IU School of Medicine Cluster Recruitment Initiative is an opportunity to invest in highly qualified clinicians and support them as they develop rewarding and impactful careers in academic medicine.
Investing in your career and professional development
We recognize that faculty with the shared lived experiences of those from historically underrepresented populations in medicine are being asked to help us solve some of health care’s largest challenges. We want to provide something in return.
The Cluster Recruitment Initiative invests in the career and professional development of faculty from historically underrepresented groups in medicine.
Four years of holistic support and development
- Executive group coaching with your cohort all four years of the program
- Partnership with clinical department chairs and the Center for Inclusive Excellence
- Automatic acceptance into two established faculty development programs to help develop your area of expertise and academic promotion: Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP) and the Program to Launch URiM Success (PLUS)

The Clinician Cluster Recruitment Initiative is a project of the 2030 Strategic Plan.
A choice of four career development tracks
When you are ready to pursue your career development, there are four areas to choose from.
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Clinician Educator
The Clinician Educator track is ideal for candidates interested in a career in medical student or graduate trainee education. The following foundational degree options are available:
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Executive Coaching Certification
We partner with a nationally recognized coaching program accredited by the International Coaching Federation.
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Health Systems Leadership
The Health Systems Leadership track will prepare candidates for a career in health administration. The following foundational degree options are available:
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Health Informatics
The Health Informatics track is ideal for clinicians with a strong interest in meeting patients’ needs using biomedical data. The following foundation degree options are available:
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Center for Inclusive Excellence Leadership Fellow
We realize not all candidates will be interested in earning an additional degree or may already have a secondary advanced degree. The Center for Inclusive Excellence will support Leadership Fellows in creating a high-impact project in one of five IU School of Medicine priorities in research, education, faculty affairs, equity and inclusion, and health center administration.
Example timelines
Flexibility is important for professional growth, and we have factored that into our development timelines. For incoming physicians who know what path they want to take, one of four career development tracks await at the start of their experience. Others might need more time to figure out what’s right for them—our second timeline option will provide that space through two years of professional development programs at the start of their journey.
Ready for career development?
Onboarding year
Acclimation/networking support
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Development Year 1 (2025)
Degree program
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Development Year 2 (2026)
Degree program
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Development Year 3 (2027)
LAMP program
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Development Year 4 (2028)
PLUS program
Need more time to think?
Onboarding year
Acclimation/networking support
⬇
Development Year 1 (2025)
LAMP program
⬇
Development Year 2 (2026)
PLUS program
⬇
Development Year 3 (2027)
Degree program
⬇
Development Year 4 (2028)
Degree program
Program Goals
Recruit clinicians that reflect the lived experiences of the Hoosier communities where health inequities are the most disparate, including Black/African American and Hispanic/Latine communities.
Contribute to the creation of a diverse leadership infrastructure that reflects all of the communities served by our medical school and health care system and expand the diversity of thought and experiences of our health system and school leadership.
Increase the number of role models and mentors available to IU School of Medicine learners and trainees who are from groups that have been historically underrepresented in medicine to positively impact the success of these individuals and further address workforce needs and health disparities.
Improve health disparities in key areas, including cardiovascular health, maternal and infant mortality, and mental health, by increasing the physician workforce in these areas.
Recruiting our next leaders
Priority clinical specialties include internal medicine, cardiology, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine, and psychiatry (including clinical psychologists). All clinical specialties are welcome to apply.
Candidates
- Early or mid-career faculty.
- Preference for individuals from historically underrepresented groups in medicine or shared lived experience with disparate communities. All are welcome to apply.
- Interest in creating a rewarding career in academic medicine or health systems administration.
- Must be board-certified/board eligible and able to obtain a license to practice medicine in Indiana. Clinical psychologists must be license eligible as Health Service Providers in Psychology in the State of Indiana.
Apply Now
Apply to join the first cohort of the Cluster Recruitment Initiative or nominate a candidate.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Cluster Recruitment Initiative or wish to speak with a team member, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why would I want to be part of a cluster?
Faculty with robust social networks report a higher sense of belonging, are less likely to experience burnout and experience greater career longevity. Your cluster will provide a strong support network and benefits from regular group executive coaching to help you reach your fullest potential and vision for a fulfilling career.
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Do I have to participate in all years of the program?
Yes. We are committed to your success as an academician and/or health system leader. We have structured a program that will help make your progress toward academic promotion and service a smoother experience.
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Can I still be hired if I’m not selected for the program?
Absolutely! Hiring decisions outside the Clinician Cluster Hiring Initiative depend on position availability and are made separately from the initiative's selection process.
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If I’m a current faculty member, can I apply?
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If I’m a current resident or fellow, can I apply?
Yes. We invite your application.
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How many people are in a cluster?
Our goal is for each cluster to have a minimum of five members.
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What is the general time commitment?
The time commitment will vary depending on which career development program you choose. Adequate protected time is provided for participation in the program.