Skip to content

2026 Idaho Medical Association Foundation Award Application - Residents/Fellows

2026 IMA Foundation Future Physicians of Idaho Award Application - Residents/Fellows

The Idaho Medical Association Foundation is excited to announce the availability of the 2026 Future Physicians of Idaho Awards. We have allocated a total pool of $35,000 this year, aimed at supporting medical students, residents, and fellows who demonstrate a strong commitment to building their careers in Idaho.

Award Categories and Eligibility:
  1. Medical Students: A minimum of three awards are reserved for medical students graduating this spring who have matched to an Idaho-based residency program starting this fall. Applicants must aspire to stay in Idaho after residency and practice in a medically underserved community.
  2. Residents/Fellows: A minimum of three awards are designated for residents or fellows completing their final year of training this spring, whether in an Idaho-based program or an out-of-state program in a specialty not offered in Idaho. Applicants must also intend to practice in a medically underserved Idaho community after completing their training and show proof of an employment offer to be eligible.
Additionally, new this year, one dedicated $5,000 award will go to an eligible medical student, resident, or fellow who meets the criteria above and will train or practice in a county within the Southwestern Idaho Medical Society District 3 area.

Application Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  1. Idaho Roots/Ties: Demonstrate a connection to Idaho through birthplace, upbringing in a rural or underserved area, education in Idaho schools, and/or other significant Idaho ties.
  2. Commitment to Practice in Idaho: Express a commitment to return to Idaho after training and/or provide proof of plans to establish or join a practice in Idaho.
  3. Commitment to Rural and/or Medically Underserved Idaho: Plans to focus on serving Idaho’s rural and/or medically underserved populations.
  4. Need for Specialty: Has chosen a specialty that addresses the healthcare needs of Idaho.
  5. Unique skills/knowledge/life experiences: Possesses unique skills, knowledge, and/or life experiences to better serve rural and/or medically underserved populations/communities in Idaho.

Required Documentation:
To complete your application, please include the following documents, which can be uploaded during the application process or emailed to sara@idmed.org before the deadline:
  1. One Letter of Support: Submit one letter of support from a faculty member or physician who can attest to your skills and dedication. (Informal emails from physicians are also acceptable.) Additional letters will not be considered.
  2. Proof of Idaho Employment: Documentation of an offer of employment at an Idaho practice, with personal and salary information redacted.
Important Notes:
  • Applicants with service, loan repayment, or other commitments outside Idaho after residency are ineligible.
  • Award recipients will need to submit a W-9 form and will receive a 1099 form in January. Please notify Foundation staff of any address changes before January 31st.
Applications are due by July 3, 2026. For more information or any questions, please contact us at sara@idmed.org or call IMA at 208-344-7888.

We are thrilled to support the next generation of Idaho physicians through these awards and look forward to your applications.

Kind regards,

Mary Barinaga, MD, Board Chair
IMA Foundation
1.Full Legal Name:(Required.)
2.Another name or nickname you prefer:
3.Email address:(Required.)
4.Phone number:(Required.)
5.Please select which of the following best describes your current career status:(Required.)
Current Progress,
0 of 24 answered