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Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation (FMD RapSDI)

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation

Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation (FMD RapSDI) is a signature primary care research program funded by the AAFP Foundation in collaboration with the DARTNet Institute.

Research is an integral element of family medicine, and we are dedicated to the on-going development and advancement in the field of family medicine. Family Medicine Discovers joins our other signature programs in moving the specialty forward through meaningful research.

Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation

This program is a collaboration funded by the AAFP Foundation in partnership with the DARTNet Institute. RapSDI builds research capacity for family medicine by awarding practicing family physicians with the opportunity to:

Research patient-inspired and clinical questions that arise from issues in family medicine

Build research capacity skills

Partner with a mentor on a topic of importance in creating practice improvements

Two scholars will be selected annually and receive up to $40,000 to create new evidence for “what works” in real-world primary care settings.

How FMD RapSDI Works

FMD RapSDI supports short-term innovative and high-impact research projects led by practicing family physicians. No previous research experience is required. Physicians selected as FMD RapSDI Scholars will serve as Principal Investigators for their projects and will receive support and mentorship from the DARTNet Institute staff to develop and refine a research protocol, perform project activities, and conduct data analysis. Scholars have the opportunity to participate in one or more research conferences/meetings and author a manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

Two practicing family physicians will be selected as 2027 FMD RapSDI scholars. Each scholar receives a $40,000 grant for project associated costs and/or to offset time/salary required to conduct research. The AAFP Foundation does not provide grant funds for indirect or overhead costs, including facility and administration costs.

RapSDI Application

The 2027 FMD RapSDI application opens October 1, 2026 and closes at 5 p.m. CT on January 16, 2027. Application submissions are divided into two competitive rounds. All complete Round 1 submissions will be reviewed, and four finalists will be selected and invited to participate and submit a Round 2 application. Round 1 decision notifications will be sent in May 2027.

If invited to submit for Round 2, selected applicants will work with a mentor to develop a more traditional research plan and budget. If an applicant has not identified a mentor at the time of application, they will be matched with a DARTNet Institute staff member and/or outside research mentor. Round 2 applications are due September 22, 2027.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Category	Details
Organization	American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation
Organization type	Non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The AAFP Foundation
Country	United States
Primary focus areas	Family medicine, primary care, medical education, community health, health equity, and humanitarian services. The AAFP Foundation
Grant programs	Family Medicine Chapter Alliance (FMCA) Grants, educational scholarships, humanitarian funding, and other awards. The AAFP Foundation
Previous success predictors	1. Alignment with family medicine and community health priorities. 2. Clearly defined project objectives. 3. Measurable health or educational outcomes. 4. Potential community impact. 5. Feasible implementation plan. 6. Appropriate and justified budget. 7. Innovation and replicability of the proposed program. 8. Applicant eligibility and compliance with submission requirements. 9. Strong supporting documentation. 10. Alignment with the specific grant's philanthropic mission. The AAFP Foundation +1
Historical funding data	Since 2006, the FMCA Grants program has provided $1,606,920 to support 548 projects. The AAFP Foundation
Historical success rate	Not verified; the number of applications submitted is needed to calculate the award rate.

Excel-ready entry — Previous Success Predictors

Alignment with family medicine priorities; community health impact; clear objectives; measurable outcomes; project feasibility; justified budget; innovation; program sustainability and replicability; applicant eligibility; supporting documentation; and compliance with grant guidelines.

Specialties

Family Medicine

Eligibility Requirements

AAFP member

Practicing family physician

Any stage of career, post-residency

Willing to serve as Principal Investigator (PI) of proposed project over 12-month timeline

Preference will be given to qualified applicants with no/little previous research experience.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 440 Leawood, KS

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