For more than four decades, the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program (AMFDP) has shaped the landscape of academic medicine, supporting and developing medical and science leaders who reflect their communities, advance biomedical sciences, transform healthcare for all, and inspire the next generation. Today, that legacy continues with a new, independent home: the Amos Institute for Medical Faculty Development (AIMFD). Guided by David S. Wilkes, MD, CEO, an alumnus and long-time director of the program, AIMFD carries forward a mission rooted in leadership, career development, innovation, and mentorship.
“I’ve had the privilege of being part of this program for over 35 years, first as an award recipient and now as CEO of the Institute,” Dr. Wilkes reflects. “The impact on participants is profound. It opens doors, creates networks, and provides access to leaders across academic medicine, nursing, and dentistry.”
The transition from AMFDP to AIMFD was prompted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s decision to conclude funding in 2028. By launching AIMFD in April 2025 and securing 501(c)(3) status, the Institute ensures continuity, preserving the momentum of decades of training and development. This foresight allows AIMFD to maintain support for future leaders while expanding its reach.
“We wanted to create the Amos Institute now, knowing it would take time to establish, raise funds, and bring in new partners,” Dr. Wilkes explains. “We didn’t want a gap in momentum, because the work of these scholars is too important to pause.”
AIMFD also marks a significant evolution in eligibility. While the original program focused on physicians, the Institute now supports PhD scientists, basic researchers, and public health investigators, in addition to dentists and nurses, widening the pipeline of excellence in academic medicine. These shifts strengthen AIMFD’s commitment to preparing leaders who will drive change across diverse scientific fields.
“This is about investing in people who will become successful leaders,” Dr. Wilkes emphasizes. “Science evolves over time, but the personal characteristics that a person brings to the table—the drive, the vision—tell us they are on a leadership pathway and we want to support that.”
Central to AIMFD’s success is its renowned mentorship network and what Dr. Wilkes calls the program’s “secret sauce.” Each scholar is paired with both a local mentor and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group of Experts, creating a lifelong support system that fosters career development and contributes to the transformation of healthcare for all.
“Once you’re in, you’re in for life,” Dr. Wilkes says. “We’ve created a family across disciplines. Each cohort bonds very closely, and they keep in touch with each other over the years. It’s a big, successful family, and we have the academic gravitas to support them going forward.”
Looking ahead, AIMFD aims to continue changing the face of academic medicine, ensuring opportunities for those who may not have the resources to pursue leadership roles. Alumni and donors are critical partners in this vision, supporting operations, providing direct grants, and sustaining the Institute’s mission for generations to come.
“We want to make resources available for those who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity,” Dr. Wilkes concludes. “With the new Institute, we want to ensure that we provide a conduit for participants so they can live out their dreams and become leaders and game changers in the field. So when people look back, they will say, ‘an Amos Scholar did that.’”
We invite you to be a part of the Amos Institute for Medical Faculty Development’s mission. Together, we can shape a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful future in healthcare. Support AIMFD by making a gift today.