BACKGROUND

The Dermatology Education Foundation (DEF), a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, was founded to inspire dermatology nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) to achieve a professional balance between the art of healing, the power of diagnostic skills, and case-based assessment and training. The DEF accomplishes this through live educational conferences, unique web content, and mentorship grant opportunities designed to benefit the NP and PA.
There are very few, if any, post-master’s degree dermatology-specific training opportunities available to NPs and PAs. Within the specialty of dermatology, the skill set of NPs and PAs is directly related to the training provided by the dermatologist with whom they are employed. As a result, this individualized training arrangement can lead the trainee to fall victim to potential practice gaps.
Being mindful that dermatology healthcare professionals may not have access to comprehensive training opportunities, the DEF offers a Mentorship Grant to assist with advancement in the dermatology training for NPs and PAs. The DEF Mentorship Grant is an ideal opportunity to pair practicing NPs and PAs with members of the dermatology professional community as their mentors to provide enhancement to their diagnostic and therapeutic skill set.
Qualified applicants will have the opportunity to learn the best practices necessary to diagnose and treat skin diseases and conditions pertinent to dermatologic practice through the DEF Mentorship Grant. Areas of focus may include, but are not limited to: acne, acne rosacea, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous oncology, blistering diseases, contact dermatitis, dermatopathology, dermatomyositis, dermoscopy, lupus, pediatric dermatology, psoriasis, research, or skin cancer.

DEF MENTORSHIP GRANT OBJECTIVES

The DEF Mentorship Grants are awarded to dermatology NPs and PAs and their mentor who have submitted the research proposal that best demonstrates to the DEF the potential for exceptional training in their chosen discipline. that best provides additional training in the discipline of their choice. The DEF awards up to eight (8) applicants with up to $10,000 per grantee. All funds are to be spent within 18 months of receipt of the award. The DEF does not fund projects that are part of the NIH intramural research program or awards to private foundations without an academic affiliation to dermatology.

NP/PA CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

Practicing NPs and PAs may apply for the DEF Mentorship Grant. The applicant should be no greater than 15 years beyond their terminal degree. The Research Mentor indicated in the Project Outline must be a Board-certified Fellow member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) or equivalent NP or PA member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Dermatology Nurses Association, or American Academy of Physician Assistants. The Research Mentor is chosen by the applicant and both must agree to the opportunity prior to the application being submitted to the DEF. The Research Mentor must be familiar with the role of the NP and PA, and have prior experience training and working with them. The DEF does not provide a list of potential project mentors.

MENTORSHIP GRANT APPLICATION COMPONENTS

Part 1. Project Outline

The applicant must provide a short discussion of the aims and relevance of the project including sufficient detail for evaluation by the DEF Grant Committee. This discussion should state what specific goals he/she hopes to achieve with the research mentoring experience and the expected duration of mentoring.
The applicant must not choose a research mentor from the same institution or practice and the research mentor must provide written acceptance of the project outline. An applicant’s work is to be with one or two specific mentors, not with an entire department.
Budgeted items may include expenses related to travel specifically to the mentor locations and research with the mentors. They may not include registration fees for meetings or travel to meetings.

Part 2. Applicant Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Attach the most recent CV of the applicant. This should include a recent, relevant bibliography, if published.

Part 3. Research Mentor CV

Attach the most recent CV of the Research Mentor.

Part 4. Acknowledge the Grant Requirements

a) Thirty (30) days prior to the start of the mentoring project, the applicant is to reaffirm the dates of the project with the DEF.
b) Within thirty (30) days of completing the approved project, the applicant awardee is required to submit a written report summarizing the skills or knowledge acquired from this experience. A full reconciliation of the funds must also be submitted at this time.
c) Within thirty (30) days of completing the mentoring experience, the research mentor must also submit a follow-up report to DEF.
d) If an approved mentoring project cannot be completed as originally proposed or within the time limits mandated, the grantee must immediately contact the DEF. Any unused funds must be returned to the DEF.