Frequently Asked Questions

Who teaches the Biodesign Faculty Fellowship program?

The Biodesign Faculty Fellowship is led by Senior Faculty Liaison Paul Wang, Associate Fellowship Director Ryan Van Wert, as well as Assistant Fellowship Directors David Hindin, Ashley Seehusen, and Kunj Sheth. Many other Biodesign faculty members also participate, along with academic innovators and experts from the health technology industry.

Who is eligible to apply to the program?

Both tenure and non-tenure line faculty are eligible to apply.

For engineering, lecturers are eligible.

For medicine, (clinical) instructors are generally eligible. However, those with a concurrent residency, fellowship, or post-doctoral appointment are ineligible, including subspecialty clinical fellows who hold clinical instructor appointments. Members of the Stanford community in non-faculty and non-student roles (e.g. staff scientists, scholars, etc.) should contact the program for more information about eligibility.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate faculty members from other universities, hospital systems, or adjunct faculty at Stanford at this time.

How many Faculty Fellows will be selected for 2023-24?

Twelve. Given the high level of personalized coaching and mentoring each fellow receives, we are able to accommodate a limited number of participants each year.

How many applications do you receive, and how many people do you interview?

We expect to receive 25-35 applications and will interview everyone who applies.  

When is the 2023-24 application deadline?

Applications for the 2023-24 program are now open and will close at 5:00 pm Pacific on Friday, April 28, 2023.

Applications must be submitted with a Division Chief/Department Chair signature and the applicant’s CV. All complete applicants must be submitted to fellowships manager Meghan Stawitcke via email.  

When are interviews, and when will selection decisions be announced?

Interviews will take place May 3-5. Selection decisions will be announced before the end of that month.  

Why is my Division Chief/Department Chair’s signature required?

Your Division Chief/Department Chair will be required to allow time for you to participate in the program. They will also be asked to help underwrite the cost of the training experience ($12,500 per faculty member). It is your responsibility to talk with your Division Chief and Department Chair to make them aware of these requirements and confirm their support. We advise you to keep both your Division Chief and Department Chair apprised of your status throughout the application process. For applicants from the Department of Surgery, please also notify Dr. Carla Pugh of your intention to apply. As the department’s Vice Chair of Innovation, Dr. Pugh’s pre-approval of your application is necessary to secure department funds. Please note that the departmental cost for each Faculty Fellow is non-refundable.

How many hours per week should I expect to devote to the program?

You should expect to spend an approximately 10 hours per week on program activities, including reading and video assignments, project work, and small group mentoring sessions.

What is the schedule for all required sessions?

Once selected, all Biodesign Faculty Fellows will be required to attend a series of workshops, most of which will be held in-person at Stanford Biodesign in the James H. Clark Center or via Zoom as noted below.  Please note that attendance is mandatory (faculty fellows typically miss no more than one meeting per academic year).  Please see below for the specific 2023-24 training dates. 

• Kick-off meeting and training "boot camp" – October 18, 12:00-7:00 pm
• Check-in meeting #1 for needs finding assignment – November 15 from 5:30-7:30 pm
• Check-in meeting #2 for needs finding assignment – December 13 from 5:30-7:30 pm
• Wednesday workshop schedule (dinner provided) 
  • January 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm  (in-person)
  • January 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm (Zoom)
  • January 17 from 5:30-7:30 pm (in-person)
  • January 24 from 5:30-7:30 pm (Zoom)
  • January 31 from 5:30-7:30 pm (Zoom)
    
  • February 7 from 5:00-8:00 pm (Need Showcase session) (in-person)
  • February 14 - free week (Enjoy some chocolates!)
    
  • February 21 from 5:30-7:30 pm (in-person)
  • February 28 from 5:30-7:30 pm (in-person)
  • March 6 from 5:30-8:00 pm (prototyping session) (in-person)
  • March 13 from 5:30-7:30 pm (Zoom)
  • March 20 from 5:00-8:00 pm (final presentations for winter quarter) (in-person)
  • March 27 from 7:00-8:00 am (breakfast with BFF alumni) (in-person)
  • April 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm  (Zoom)
  • April 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm (in-person)
  • April 17 from 5:30-7:30 pm (Zoom)
  • April 24 from 5:30-7:30 pm (in-person)
  • May 1 from 5:30-7:30 pm (Zoom)
  • May 8 from 5:30-7:30 pm (in-person)
  • May 15 from 5:30-7:30 pm (Zoom)
  • May 22 from 5:30-7:30 pm (in-person)
  • May 29 from 5:00-8:00 pm (final presentations for spring quarter)  (in-person)
  • June 12 from 5:30-7:00 pm (debrief and celebration)  (in-person)

How can I learn more about the program?

Stanford Biodesign hosted an information session for interested faculty on April 12, 2023 via zoom. Please contact Meghan Stawitcke for a link to the recording.