Eligibility

Faculty from an accredited school of medicine or nursing in the US and Canada are eligible for this program. This scholarship is not open to trainees.

Gold Humanism Scholars are those who have been recognized at their institution for their commitment to the mentorship of trainees in the humanistic and professional practice of medicine and care of patients. Preference will be given to candidates who embody the qualities of a humanistic educator and role model, including:

Central role in physician and/or nursing education in home institution;
Demonstrated commitment to fostering humanism, empathy, compassion, and the highest standards of professionalism; and
Promise/potential as a leader in medical or nursing education.

The Gold Foundation has particular interest in supporting medical or nursing education projects that:

Cultivate humanism, effective interpersonal and communication skills and professionalism;
Integrate specialties and disciplines within healthcare, and are inter-professional;
Include a focus on professionalism, mutual respect, and the fair treatment of all individuals; and
Contribute to best practices in the education of future caregivers (potential to be replicated).

Additional criteria used in selecting projects include:

Feasibility of the project design and methodology, and the adequacy of key resources.
Degree to which project is longitudinal, ideally encompassing more than one year of training.
Whether project is required (vs. elective).
Evidence of support by the home institution.

How to Apply

We are excited to share that the 2026–2027 Gold Scholars HMI Application is now officially open! Application deadline: April 6, 2026.

We invite you to apply here.

Please note that the Gold Foundation will notify applicants of its decision approximately 2 weeks prior to the Harvard Macy Institute’s application deadline of May 27th so that any applicant not selected as a Gold Scholar who still wishes to apply to the Harvard Macy Program for Educators will have time to do so.

Applicants must submit, via our online form:

Biosketch including full contact information, academic affiliation and position, Educational and professional experience, scholarly accomplishments, personal background and interests. (limit to 1 page)
Personal essay discussing their professional values and commitment to humanism in healthcare (limit to 2 pages)
Proposal, as Gold Humanism Scholar, to advance humanism (limit to 2 pages) that includes:
- Project title and two sentence project description.
- A definition of the project — what are you trying to accomplish? What is the aim?
- Describe the current problem that it addresses at your institution. Who will benefit from this project?
- A prediction or hypothesis of what changes you can make that will result in an improvement. Identify barriers to implementation and necessary resources for your project.
- An evaluation plan to assess your project’s impact.
- A strategy for disseminating the project and outcomes to the medical or nursing education community.
- A brief description of how participation in the HMI will be of particular benefit to this project and to your professional development.
- A statement that you are able to participate fully in the course as scheduled.
Letter(s) of Support from applicant’s Departmental Chair attesting to applicant’s qualifications, commitment to humanism, and the institution’s support of applicant’s project.
Statement that applicant is able to participate fully in the course as scheduled.

Note: A past Gold Humanism Scholar at the HMI will serve as a mentor to the selected scholars.