Phyllis Torda Memorial Fellow

Applications for the Phyllis Torda Fellow for the class of 2025-2026 is now open.

The Phyllis Torda fellowship celebrates the life and work of Phyllis Torda, a NCQA leader from 1995–2015. Phyllis was an enthusiastic champion for improving our national health care system. She promoted the use of electronic health records, patient-reported outcomes for performance measurement and new strategies and methodologies for physician measurement.

Individuals who have recently completed a Doctoral or Master’s degree with a focus in a healthcare related field are encouraged to apply. NCQA welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. The fellowship requires individuals to lead with equity, have knowledge of the US Healthcare system, have led projects using scientific process and applied research methods, able to distill key findings and propose solutions, communicate complex ideas, and have disseminated findings through various written formats – i.e., peer-reviewed journals, briefs, blogs. In addition, we are looking for individuals who possess a strong inclination to engage in translational research that directly influences healthcare policy and practice. Fellows will participate in contracts and grants, given experiential learning through projects, network with thought leaders and advised by senior NCQA staff. Past and current fellows assume pivotal roles in bolstering ongoing projects and initiatives at the NCQA and integrate share their knowledge and expertise in projects and programs on the quality of healthcare. The fellowship offers the following areas for health care quality research, policy and equity: 

•  Behavioral Health
•  Chronic Disease Management 
•  Healthcare Data Quality
•  Health Equity 
•  Healthcare Informatics
•  Maternal Health 
•  Patient-Reported Outcomes 
•  Preventive Care
•  Primary Care 
•  Social Needs 
•  Telehealth and Health Information Technology 
•  Value-Based Care and Payment  

NCQA engages in a diverse range of projects and programs that intersect with various aspects of health care. These encompass equitable health care, quality measurement development, health care policy, products related to health promotion, disease management, health information technology, use of artificial intelligence, transition to digital data sources to reduce data collection burden, population health management, case management, long-term services and supports, and the patient-centered medical home. This wide-reaching spectrum of initiatives ensures that fellows have ample opportunities to engage in research that touches virtually every facet of modern healthcare. 

The Phyllis Torda fellowship is an exciting professional development opportunity for highly qualified, self-motivated, early career individuals. The duration of the fellowship is up to 12 months, full time engagement (40 hours/week during NCQA office hours), with the option to be fully virtual, hybrid or in person.

To apply, provide the following documents by Friday, February 21, 5pm Eastern Time.

•  Personal Information
  •  First and Last Name
  •  Email address
  •  Mailing address
  •  Phone Number
•  Professional Information (PDF or MSWord formats accepted)
  •  Cover Letter include the following:
    •  Label the file "Cover Letter, [your last name, your first]. Use 12-point Times New Roman typeface, double-spaced, do not exceed 3 pages.
    • Describe your interest in healthcare quality and equity, particularly as it aligns with past/ present NCQA projects. What NCQA related topic would you like to work on and why? Be specific.
    •  Describe your interest and what you will gain from the fellowship

•  Resume or CV. Label your document “CV or Resume, [your last name, your first name]”
•  Self-Directed Project Abstract
•  Label the document "Project Abstract, [Your last name, Your first name]. Use 12-point Times New Roman typeface, double-spaced.
•  The self-guided project will occupy approximately 20-25% of the Fellowship and 75% will be devoted to NCQA-directed projects. Please note that the self-guided project may be subject to changes based on feasibility, interest, and scope.
•  Include the following sections:
  •  Proposal Title
  •  Executive Summary: (200 words max) Describe the problem, the methods to address the issue and the potential implications, findings, or solutions the self-guided project will identify.
  •  Objective of the project: (100 words max) bullet points accepted
  •  Problem Statement: (200 words max) Describe the context, historical evidence, or policies related to the issue you want to research. Why is this topic important?
  •  Methods and Approach: (200 words max) Describe the approach to identify potential new knowledge of the problem and possible solutions to address the health care issue outlined in the problem statement.
  •  Project plan and Timeline: (150 words max) Provide a high-level project workplan and general time frame (assume in a 12-month timeframe). Please include how you plan to manage and complete your project on time.
  •  Implications: (150 words max) Describe the anticipated outcomes or potential findings. Describe the likely implications of this work for future research, policy, programs, or measurement development. Include how these outcomes or results relate to health care quality and equity. Describe how this work aligns with NCQA's mission and vision.
•  Submit two letters of recommendation to fellowship@ncqa.org
  •  Please include your name and the referring individuals name in the title and ‘reference’. Label your document “Reference, [your last name, your first name] from [referee’s last and first name]
  •  The completed references are due by February 21, 2025, 5pm Eastern Time.

All Materials for the fellowship application must be completed by February 21, 2024, 5pm Eastern Time.

 If you have any questions, please email fellowship@ncqa.org for further information.

SALARY AND OTHER SUPPORT

The salary range is from $75,000–$100,000, depending on education and years of experience. This is a full-time position with full-time insurance benefits, including paid time off and educational assistance. This position is also eligible for company-provided benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. NCQA is a drug-free workplace. NCQA recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals, and administers any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, disability status, veteran status, genetic information or other protected statuses under applicable state and federal laws.

NCQA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge; (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer; or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).

Salary : $75,000 - $100,000