RISE Activities
Innovator Development Program
Receive support for developing innovation competency and advancing an education intervention.
Innovator Development Program
Overview
Applications for the 2027 cohort of the Innovator Development Program (IDP) closed on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The 12-month IDP was launched in 2019 and is led by Dr. Margaret Wolff. The Program uses a Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework to cultivate innovation competency through active learning sessions that allow innovators to learn and apply new skills and knowledge around innovation. Grounded in Kotter’s 8-stage leading change model, the program emphasizes the seven HSEI competencies—curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, visioning, teamwork, initiative, and intelligent risk-taking as the foundation for educational experimentation and discovery. By the end of the program, innovators will be able to demonstrate use of the HSEI competencies to design an impactful, scalable, and transformative education intervention.
The program prioritizes learning and growth instead of producing a polished intervention. Participants are encouraged to test, reflect, adapt, build teams, and engage stakeholders, reinforcing flexibility, collaboration, and learning through iteration. Upon successful completion of all requirements, participants receive a certificate and letter summarizing their activities. They also tend to serve as champions within the RISE Community, sharing insights, mentoring peers, consulting as part of RISE Advise, facilitating engagement workshops, all contributing to a culture of education innovation across Michigan Medicine.
To date, the IDP has accepted 50 participants (Cohorts 1-6) representing faculty, learners and staff from 21 Michigan Medicine departments and units. Click here to view experiences.
Program Highlights
Innovator Development Program Details
- Monthly sessions: All Innovators will participate in monthly workshops (four hours per month January-June; September-December). The program provides targeted instruction using an experiential learning model to apply new skills and knowledge to advance interventions and develop Innovators. Program curricula includes foundational innovation and change management principles to cultivate innovation competency development. All Innovators must have an existing intervention they intend to advance as part of the program.
- Individual meetings with the IDP Leadership Team: All Innovators meet regularly with key members of the IDP Leadership Team to elicit better insight into their needs — capitalizing on strengths and working through areas for development. These meetings also allow Innovators to engage with concepts more thoroughly, brainstorm solutions together and build community.
- Assessment and Feedback: All RISE Innovators receive ongoing feedback throughout the program. The IDP Leadership Team provides regular guidance on innovation competency and intervention development at scheduled intervals. In addition, Innovators participate in a 360-degree feedback process and complete a series of self-assessments to identify areas of strength and growth and receive actionable recommendations. Together, these complementary approaches support continuous development and successful intervention implementation.
- Individual coaching: All Innovators receive individual coaching to facilitate innovation competency development and the progression of their intervention.
At the successful completion of the 12-month program, Innovators will receive a certificate of completion in Health Sciences Education Innovation. The certificate requires active engagement in the above activities.
Application Details
Tell Us About You
[Between 200–400 words]
1. Provide a brief summary of your experience, skills, education, and personal or professional accomplishments that you feel are relevant to your potential as an Innovator.
2. Describe why you are interested in participating in the RISE Innovator Development Program (IDP) and how you hope to develop as an innovator.
Tell Us About Your Intervention
[No more than 500 words]
3. As part of the Innovator Development Program, we ask participants to have an intervention to apply the innovation principles they will learn during the program. Priority will be given to interventions that align with the BASE+ (Belonging, Access, Safety & Quality, Experience) and any other institutional priorities. Please provide the following details of your proposed intervention:
- Define the intervention (e.g., training course, educational platform, clinical or educational process change) and its intended recipients (e.g., students, residents, fellows, faculty, staff, patients).
- Identify the health or educational gap the intervention addresses.
- Describe what you expect will be different because of the intervention and explain how these outcomes advance BASE+ and/or other institutional priorities.
- Explain how the intervention will be integrated into existing Michigan Medicine (including the Medical School) systems or workflows and its potential longevity.
4. Describe the people who will work with you to develop and pilot your intervention. Please include:
- Name one primary mentor, thought partner, or sponsor who will work most closely with you.
- List additional team members, including at least one intended recipient of the intervention (e.g., learner, patient).
- Provide a brief description of each team member’s role on the team. Explain how each team member brings a unique perspective to the project.
*If accepted to participate in the Program, these team members will be invited to participate in your 360 assessment.
5. Itemized Budget (if you are requesting funding)
Provide an itemized budget that describes how you will use the requested funds. Describe any technology (hardware, software, devices, etc.) or technological support (programming, editing, storage, network, etc.) necessary to support your intervention(s). Please also include the name of the person in your department who will be responsible for receiving and managing your funds.
These funds cannot be used to pay for internal training or internal consulting, food where the sole purpose of the event is to promote dialogue or conversation within your department or unit, travel, conference attendance (travel, registration fees, hotel, transportation, etc.), professional organization membership, or any type of salary support or stipend. The aim of the project funding is to advance your intervention. *A budget is not required for applicants not requesting project funding.
Tell Us About Your Support
6. Submit required letter(s) of support.
All applicants must submit a letter of support from their supervisor, director, or division/department chair, addressed to Dr. Meg Wolff, RISE Curriculum Director supporting their participation and the proposed intervention. For applicants requesting FTE support, this letter must also include an explicit agreement to accommodate the reduction in FTE effort or education responsibilities. Learners must also provide documentation that they are currently in good standing in their academic program.
Please note that medical students are required to submit two separate letters:
1. A letter of support from their supervisor, director, or division/department chair, sponsor, mentor, supporting the proposed intervention; and
2. A letter of good academic standing from the Office of Medical Student Education. Letters can be requested here.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Paula Thompson ([email protected]) or Dr. Meg Wolff ([email protected]) with any questions about your application.
Applicants who apply for the RISE Innovator Development Program may be considered for any of the following funding options:
- Innovator Development Program only. With this option, no project funding or FTE support is requested, but those selected will still participate in all other aspects of the Program.
- Project funding to support your proposed intervention. Options: $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000 during the program year.
- Up to 0.15 FTE support (or the equivalent reduction in other responsibilities to accommodate the effort: January 1, 2027-December 31, 2027).
All Michigan Medicine faculty, staff, and learners are eligible to apply. All learners are required to be in good standing with their academic programs.
RISE has a stepwise selection process to ensure sufficient information has been submitted to fully evaluate your application and determine whether the Innovator Development Program is a good fit for advancing your development. The selection consists of the following two-phase process:
Phase 1
The Innovator Development Program Leadership Team will review all applications using the Innovator Development Program Application Assessment Rubric. Phase 1 decisions will fall into one of the following categories:
1. Interview granted: Applicant is invited to participate in an interview and is provided initial feedback on their intervention to prepare for the interview discussion.
2. Interview not granted: Information provided in the application is not in alignment with the Innovation Development Program objectives. Applicant is not invited to interview but is provided feedback on their intervention.
Phase 2
The Innovator Development Leadership Team will conduct 1-hour interviews to learn more about the applicant’s intervention and assess their professional characteristics related to innovation competency, using the Health Science Education Innovation (HSEI) Competency and Intervention Development Rubric.
Final Decisions
All application and interview data will be used to make holistic, final selection decisions. Applicants will be notified of final decisions in October 2026.
- Application Submission Deadline | May 15, 5:00 PM
- Applicant Interview Period | July 17 - August 12
- Decision Notifications | October 2026
- In-Person Program Orientation | November 16, 10:30 AM -12:00 PM
- Program Begins | January 2027
These Innovator Development Program Funding Application FAQs provide additional clarifying information. Please contact [email protected] with any additional questions.
Questions
How does the Program define “health science education innovation”?
We define health science education innovation (HSEI) broadly as a new idea with the potential to change existing approaches in teaching and learning, scale to different areas and learners, and improve practice and health.
What topics has the Program previously supported?
The Innovator Development Program has supported a wide variety of topics. Please see the previously supported education interventions to learn more.
What topics is the Program looking to support?
The Innovator Development Program invites topics seeking to transform the way we learn, teach and train in health science education at Michigan Medicine. We seek new ideas from across the continuum of health science education that have the potential to advance science, health and/or health care delivery addressing the BASE+ and other institutional priorities. This includes topics from all health science education disciplines.
Application
Can I submit supplementary materials—beyond what is explicitly required?
Yes. If you wish to provide additional materials in formats not supported by our online submission, please email these directly to [email protected] with a subject line that includes— Supplemental IDP Application Material: Last Name, First Name.
What is the Program’s policy on IRB approval?
Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval or exemption is required for any intervention involving human participants.
Selection
How will my Innovator Development Program application be assessed?
The IDP Leadership Team will review all applications using the Innovator Development Program Application Assessment Rubric. Interviewers will use the Health Science Education Innovation (HSEI) Competency and Intervention Development Rubric to assess interviewees.
Can teams apply to the Innovator Development Program?
Applicants are encouraged to build a team they will work with for the duration of the program. We will provide several occasions to bring teams into the development process. However, applications should only be submitted for individuals.
Who is involved in the Innovator Development Program selection process?
The Innovator Development Program Leadership Team will review applications, conduct interviews, and make final selection decisions.
When and how will notifications regarding the Innovator Development Program selection be made?
All applicants will receive feedback on their application by July. Top applicants will be invited to interview over the summer, with final decisions being made in October. Those selected to the Program will be asked to confirm acceptance in writing.
If I am selected as a RISE Innovator, how much time will I have to pilot my intervention?
Interventions are expected to be piloted within the 12-months of the program. However, we recognize that, for various reasons, delays may occur. In the event of a delay, an extension may be requested.
If I am not accepted to participate in the Innovator Development Program, will I receive feedback on my application?
Yes, you will receive a summary of the strengths and areas for development as they relate to your proposed intervention.
If I am not accepted to participate in the Innovator Development Program, can I still participate in other RISE-sponsored activities?
Absolutely! We would love for you to remain engaged with us. By applying for support, you become a member of the RISE Community. This means you will be invited to RISE activities and will be eligible for opportunities such as grant brainstorming sessions, which will offer you development and networking and much more.
Are selected projects typically at the pilot stage or in a final format?
Projects are accepted that are at any stage of the innovation cycle—from an early idea or pilot to a more developed intervention with a clear vision for scale.
Funding
Who can apply for funding?
All Michigan Medicine faculty, staff and learners (medical or graduate students, residents, fellows, and post-doctoral fellows) are eligible for project funding to support the advancement of the intervention. Individuals can apply for the FTE support if they can modify their position/program requirements to accommodate the required reduction in their employment or education responsibilities. It is the applicant’s responsibility to negotiate and secure this approval from their supervisor prior to submitting their application. A letter of support from a person with appropriate oversight for the reduction in other responsibilities is required at the time of application.
Can I apply for the Program if I am not employed by Michigan Medicine?
No. Only individuals who are employed by Michigan Medicine can apply to participate in the Innovator Development Program.
How much funding can be requested, in addition to the protected time?
A maximum of $5,000 per application can be requested.
When will the FTE support and project funding begin?
The FTE support is effective January 1, 2027. If your position does not allow for the FTE support, the equivalent reduction in other responsibilities for staff and learners can also be made to accommodate the effort required. The project funding will also be made available by January 1, 2027.
Can I apply for FTE funding if I already have FTE support for another education project?
Yes, although your intervention must still represent a unique scope that advances the other project. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss specifics.
What is excluded from Innovator Development Program project funding?
Project funds cannot be used to pay for internal training or internal consulting, food where the sole purpose of the event is to promote dialogue or conversation within your department or unit, travel, conference attendance (travel, registration fees, hotel, transportation, etc.), professional organization membership, or any type of salary support or stipend. The aim of the project funding is to advance your intervention. *A budget is not required for applicants not requesting project funding.
What happens if I do not use all the funds?
All unused funds must be returned.
The most significant personal growth I experienced was in learning how to lead an innovation. The program taught me how to create a vision for change and share it effectively through concise elevator pitches, impactful presentations, and thoughtful stakeholder engagement that built buy-in and momentum for the work.
Health Professions Education Showcase
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Towsley Center for Medical Education (G2115)
Presented by the Academy of Medical Educators and RISE
Thank you for joining us for an evening highlighting the many ways to engage with health professions education at Michigan Medicine. Whether you were just curious or already involved, this event provided a great opportunity to:
- Meet education leaders from across the continuum
- Explore ways to get involved in teaching, mentoring, and scholarship
- Learn how your expertise can help shape the next generation of health professionals
We appreciated your participation and look forward to seeing you next year! You can access an overview of every opportunity presented at the HPE Showcase event by clicking here.
Education Engagement Workshop Series
In collaboration with the Academy of Medical Educators, co-directed by Drs. Lou Edje and Emily Abdoler, this workshop series is designed to support the Michigan Medicine community—faculty, staff, and learners alike—in advancing health science education innovation. These sessions create a space for educators and innovators to come together, share ideas, and gain support while learning and applying new skills. Participants will connect with others in the education community, develop key competencies, and engage in meaningful, fulfilling collaboration. The series also aims to mitigate the isolation that can come with navigating a complex system, providing opportunities to collaborate, disseminate institutional goals, and refine innovative projects in progress.
Past Workshops
From Vision to Voice: Clarity, Credibility, and Brand in a Noisy World | Wednesday, May 6, 5:00—7:00 p.m., THSL 5000
This interactive workshop, co-presented by RISE and the Academy of Medical Educators, explores how faculty, staff, and learners across health science education can turn vision into voice by clarifying the value of their work and communicating it effectively in a crowded digital landscape.
Drawing on perspectives from branding strategy and lived experience building a professional presence online, the session emphasizes visioning as a core skill, guiding participants through identifying their “why,” defining the audience they most want to reach, and drafting a clear value proposition for their ideas and expertise. Through reflection, discussion, and practical exercises, participants will leave with a clearer sense of their professional voice and how to express it authentically on social media and beyond.
Meet the Workshop Co-Hosts:
Kamran M. Mirza, MD, PhD, is the Godfrey D. Stobbe Professor of Pathology Education and a Professor of Hematopathology in the Department of Pathology at Michigan Medicine.
Johnny McGraw, MA, leads communication strategy for RISE at Michigan Medicine, including storytelling, social media, newsletters, and website content.
Teaming in Action: Navigating Dynamic Educational Teams | December 4, 5:30-7pm THSL 5000
Participants used Lencioni’s “Five Dysfunctions of Teams” framework to address challenges and improve team performance, fostering ongoing innovation in education settings. Dr. Raj Mangrulkar, Ms. Vani Patterson, and Dr. Paula Thompson facilitated this workshop.
Workshop resources:
Visioning for Change: Imagining Your Future in Education | April 23, 5:30-7pm, THSL 6000
Through guided activities, co-facilitators Dr. Raj Mangrulkar and Dr. Meg Wolff showed attendees how to create a vision that they could shape as their journeys progress.
This workshop empowered faculty, staff, and learners to take an active role in shaping the future of health education by envisioning their place in it—every contribution matters.
Read more about the Visioning workshop.
Unlocking Creativity | December 2, 5:30-7pm, THSL 6000
Designed to explore innovative approaches to healthcare challenges, the workshop offered participants a chance to consider new methods for driving change in healthcare and health education.
Attendees engaged in small-group brainstorming sessions, tackling a range of complex questions related to healthcare access, improvements in health science pedagogy, and innovations in interprofessional care. The sessions facilitated the exchange of ideas, with participants filling walls with bold ideas showcasing diverse concepts and solutions. Workshop facilitators included Emily Abdoler, Rachel Gottlieb-Smith, Meg Wolff, Paula Thompson, and Malak Elshafei.
