VA Quality Scholars
The VA Quality Scholars Fellowship has been training leaders and scholars in healthcare improvement for the VA for over 20 years, leading change nationally and internationally.
The VA Quality Scholars Fellowship consists of nine active sites across the United States, as well as an affiliate site in Toronto, Canada. Each site in the US consists of a partnership between a VA hospital and an academic institution. It has an interprofessional emphasis with physicians, doctoral-trained nurses, clinical psychologists and pharmacists as fellows and faculty. Fellows use their 2 years to focus on healthcare improvement research and scholarship, operations leadership, and teaching quality and safety.
The VA Quality Scholars Fellowship is supported by the VA Office of Academic Affiliations and includes the Houston Coordinating Center, national program sites, and partnerships with the VA Rural Scholars program and the Toronto Quality Scholars program.
VAQS Fellowship Benefits
The benefits of our program are numerous. But here are just a few highlights.
Two-year healthcare improvement & leadership curriculum
Networking with national experts & leaders
Professional development
Expansive alumni network
Stipend and federal government benefits
Data analysis training and consultation
VAQS Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Not be simultaneously enrolled in an accredited clinical training program.
- Demonstrate interest in pursuing a VA career with healthcare quality as a significant focus.
- Meet all profession- specific criteria, provided here.
Featured Scholars
Brooke Watts, MD, VAQS Alumni Cleveland 2006
- Dr. Watts, who is the Chief Medical Officer for Community Health at the MetroHealth System, recently gave an interview to CNN about the COVID-19 surge they are seeing.
- Read more here!
Angelo Gaffo, MD, VAQS Alumni Birmingham 2009
- Congratulations to Dr. Gaffo on being named the associate editor of Arthritis Care and Research!
Browse VAQS Sites
Atlanta
Our SitesOur program site is fortunate to have Magnet recognition at both the Atlanta VA Medical Center and its primary affiliate, Emory University. We are recognized for the strength of collaboration with regional partners – Emory University, Georgia Institute of...
Birmingham
Our SitesOur program site is known for interprofessional training, quality and safety education, health services research, surgical outcomes, and inpatient quality care (nurse-led interventions and others). Our site includes fellows from nursing (pre/post PhD and DNP...
Charleston
Our SitesThe Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (RHJVAMC) is a SAIL 5-star rated, level 1A VA healthcare system. Our facility has won 4 separate “Zero Harm” Awards in 2017 from the South Carolina Hospital Association and has developed award-winning multidisciplinary...
Cleveland
Our SitesOur program site is known for strong interdisciplinary teams and information technology. Faculty at our VAQS site are sought after for experience in Quality Improvement (QI), education experts in QI, Implementation science – de-implementation,...
Durham
Our SitesOur program site benefits from the robust and innovative clinical, training,and research programs offered at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVACHS). DVAHCS cares for 70,000 Veterans in central-eastern North Carolina region, and serves as a rich training...
Greater Los Angeles
Our SitesThe VA Greater Los Angeles Quality Scholars site is not currently accepting applications. Thank you for your interest! Faculty at our VAQS site are sought after for expertise in implementation science, program evaluation, primary care, mental health, women’s...
Iowa City
Our SitesOur program site is known for a robust research infrastructure to support fellows in their scholarly endeavors whether they follow traditional health-services careers or healthcare delivery and QI. Faculty at our VAQS site are sought after for their expertise...
Minneapolis
Our SitesAs a five-star facility, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS) has established a system of quality improvement and patient safety (PS) that has served as a catalyst for our leadership in improving Veteran health. Our approach is to provide...
Nashville
Our SitesOur program is known for its robust research and quality improvement programs and close collaborations with Vanderbilt University and its vast array of resources. We leverage resources within our VA, across the VA nationally, and those available through our...
San Francisco
Our SitesOur program site is known for training in study methodology, including very active and educational weekly Works-in-Progress session. Implementation science certificate program, affiliation with UCSF School of Medicine and UCSF School of Nursing, including...
Toronto
Our SitesOur program site is known for national and international organizational involvement. Faculty at our VAQS site are sought after for research, productivity and mentorship. Fellows come to our VAQS site to gain an expertise in academic quality improvement and...
White River Junction
Our SitesThe VA White River Junction Quality Scholars site is not currently accepting applications. Thank you for your interest!The VAQS fellowship program at the WRJ VA Medical Center (WRJ VAMC) is an interprofessional fellowship program offering opportunities for...
Summer Institute
Summer Institute is the culmination of VA Quality Scholars year-long works and the international collaborative that springs forth initiatives for future endeavors. Scholars, Faculty, and Fellows enjoy a week-long conference featuring world-renowned guest speakers, innovation, and scholarly activity.