Visiting Scholar Application

The Visiting Scholar application is now closed.

This year, Smile Train is supporting the addition of a second scholar.* This means that TWO scholars will be selected to visit Approved Teams in the US and Canada in 2024.

The deadline to submit is May 31, 2023.

Applicant Eligibility:

Applicants must:

Have the capacity to implement change in their home institution.
Reside in a country that is included on the World Bank’s list of low and middle-income countries. Click here for the list.
Individuals in the final stages of their training are welcome to apply. Preference will be shown to more established professionals.

Application Process:

Before beginning the application, please read the below information:

Applicants must have three references, including a letter from their current medical/professional director. The ACPA application Sponsor is not a reference.
Applicants may choose their top three host sites from the list of ACPA Approved Team Host Sites. Applicants should work with their sponsor to select sites that match their specialty and program goals. There is no guarantee that the selected visiting scholar will visit any/all host sites of their choice – final decisions will be made at the discretion of the Visiting Scholar Selection Panel.
Note: Application sponsors are no longer required, but recommended. Preference may be given to applicants with a sponsor. An application sponsor is an ACPA Member who will assist with the application, identify objectives and select host sites. For assistance finding a sponsor, contact ACPA at least 45 days before the application deadline.

*The selected scholar supported by Smile Train must be a Smile Train partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the Visiting Scholar complete their visit?

A: The Visiting Scholar will complete their visit in the spring the year following their application submission. Visits will typically take place in the weeks leading up to ACPA’s Annual Meeting and conclude with the meeting.

Q: I am currently a fellow. Can I apply?

A: While fellows are welcome to apply, preference will be given to more experienced professionals.

Q: I am interested in applying, but I don’t know any ACPA members who can sponsor me. What should I do?

A: A sponsor is no longer required for an individual to submit an application, however it is still strongly recommended. If you would like a sponsor, contact ACPA by emailing ebrenneman@acpacares.org and we will do our best to match you with a volunteer who can sponsor you. In order to allow sufficient time to connect with a sponsor, all sponsor requests must be made 45 days prior to the application deadline.

Q: What if I am interested in visiting an institution not on the Host Site list?

A: In order to ensure that our visiting scholars can have a successful visit that will lead to positive outcomes within their home country, ACPA will only permit scholars to visit institutions from the Host Site list. These teams have already indicated that they are willing and able to host a scholar for a period of two weeks, and have committed to working with ACPA during the planning process. The Host Site list is subject to change each year, so if a preferred institution is not listed this year, it’s possible it could be added to the list next year.

Q: I am sponsoring a Visiting Scholar applicant. What do I need to do to best assist them?

A: First off, you should be in regular contact with the scholar during the application process. Ideally, you will meet with them virtually at least once, but at minimum, you should be communicating via email.

As a sponsor, you will need to assist the applicant with developing their objectives for becoming a Visiting Scholar. They will be asked what their obstacles are and how the program might help them overcome these obstacles. Also, you should help them select their preferred Host Sites – which of these sites are the best match to achieve their objectives? Lastly, you should review their CV/resume and be there to answer any additional questions they may have.

Visiting Scholar Applications

Applicant Eligibility:

Applicants must:

Application Process:

Frequently Asked Questions

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