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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Faculty Affairs and Professional Development

Program to Launch Underrepresented in Medicine Success (PLUS)

The Program to Launch Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Success (PLUS) is a two year cohort program structured around two pillars: leadership and scholarship. PLUS is tailored to meet the unique needs of faculty from groups underrepresented in medicine. The lasting community built in PLUS is designed to help combat social and professional isolation and to cultivate a sense of community across departments and disciplines.

By participating in PLUS faculty will:

  • Have the opportunity to apply for up to $40,000 ($20,000 per year) in PLUS Scholar Project Funds
  • Develop self-care strategies to promote wellness, overcome adversity and mitigate burnout
  • Receive structured mentoring related to career planning and professional development
  • Cultivate a sense of community and foster genuine relationships within the academic institution
  • Complete a scholarly product for submission and/or dissemination in a peer-reviewed forum
  • Be provided tools and guidance for the promotion and tenure process

Apply Now

Applications for PLUS are due by June 16th. Application details are available below.

Year One

In their first year, PLUS scholars will participate in the Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP). Focusing on professional development and career advancement, LAMP seminars help participants build their skills around introspection, leadership and career-planning.

Learn more about LAMP

Year Two

In the second year, scholars participate in the monthly PLUS seminar series, comprised of research methods instruction, writing seminars, and wellness workshops. Additionally, the PLUS program provides funding for scholarship, tailored faculty development and community connections.

PLUS Connections

Spanning the full two years, PLUS Connections events provide a continued space for networking, relationship building, accountability and affirmation. These events provide PLUS scholars an opportunity to share their accomplishments, barriers, challenges and opportunities in their career.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are tenure-track, clinical-track and research-track IU School of Medicine faculty at the rank of assistant professor. PLUS is designed for early-stage faculty within their first three years in rank. Preference is given to applicants that contribute to IU School of Medicine's diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

The time commitment to participate in PLUS is approximately 10 percent.

In support of their efforts PLUS scholars will receive mentorship, project funding and scheduled time to pursue their scholarly activities over the course of two years. Departments or divisions will provide support by protecting the scholars’ time to successfully complete the PLUS program activities.

Application Details

Applications must include:

  • Personal statement
    • The statement should be one to two pages describing the applicant's current position and duties, academic track, short-term and long-term professional goals and motivation to be part of the PLUS program. The statement should include the name of the applicant's mentor as well as a brief description of mentoring plan. Preference is given to applicants whose personal statements establish how their background and/or perspective and experiences will contribute to the school's diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
  • Curriculum Vitae in IU Indianapolis format
  • Project proposal
  • Budget and justification
  • Statement of support signed by the unit lead (i.e. department chair, division director) indicating willingness to release the candidate to participate in program activities. 

Submit an application

PLUS Scholar Project Funds

Faculty can apply for up to $40,000 ($20,000 per year) in PLUS Scholar Project Funds. Applying for funds is not required for participation in PLUS. Projects can be research, education or service-oriented in nature. Project proposals, budget and budget justification must be submitted at the time of application.

To qualify for funding PLUS scholars must be primary faculty at IU School of Medicine. Conditions for funding include a departmental commitment to support time commitment to complete PLUS activities and identification of a departmental or divisional mentor. Release of the second year of funds will be contingent on participation in LAMP during year one and expenditure of at least 50%  of the year one budget.

Permissible expenses include personnel (e.g. research staff, technicians, student workers), consultants, equipment, supplies, courses and study participant payments. Course buy-outs, salary support for IU faculty members and overhead (e.g. computer, utilities, space) are not permitted.