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Biodesign Innovation Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions

How many fellowships are available?
The program will be filling two multidisciplinary teams and one specialty team, incorporating clinicians, engineers and business professionals. Each team is four fellows.
How many applications did you receive last year, and how many people did you interview?
We received over 100 applications and interviewed 22 finalists for the Innovation Fellowship; eleven were selected.
When is the application deadline?
Your online application must be submitted by the deadline of September 5, 2014 for the Innovation Fellowship.
What if I don't have this specific background?
We also accept applications from people with a demonstrated ability to be creative and innovative. For an extremely talented individual, we may consider making an exception to the graduate study requirement, although this is quite rare.
How much is the fellowship stipend?
The Bidesign Innovation Fellowship stipend is approximately $50,000/year, to cover housing and living expenses. The program will provide assistance with insurance coverage; dependents will be included in your insurance coverage.
Housing, food or relocation expenses are not provided. Fellows are responsible to secure their own housing and use the monthly stipend to pay for your rent and general expenses.
Can I apply if I am not a US citizen and/or do not have a current visa?
Yes. If you are chosen as a fellow, your selection will of course be dependent on the successful award of a student visa.
How many letters of recommendation must I have, when are they due, and what should they cover?
Three letters of recommendation are required. We must have the required letters by the application deadline. (It is your responsibility to follow up with those from whom you have requested letters.) The letters should describe your ability to be creative and innovative, your academic record, research you've completed, etc.These letters should be emailed to: biodesign-fellowship@stanford.edu
Letters must be emailed directly from the author. We will not accept emailed letters of recommendation from applicants themselves. The letters should be addressed to Dr. Paul Yock.
I already have a medical device idea I've been working on. Can I continue to develop it during the fellowship?
The goal of the fellowship is to learn the process of innovation from start to finish, we ask that you work on technologies that you and your team brainstorm during the fall quarter.
Can I choose which medical subspecialty I focus on during the fellowship?
Each year the fellows are assigned a subspecialty. They begin with several months of clinical immersion in that specialty, identifying needs that could be addressed with new technologies.
When are the interviews?
Applicants selected to interview for the 2015-16 fellowship will interview in October 2014. Invitations to interview will be emailed early October; candidates are asked to confirm participation by within one day. Candidates will be responsible to provide transportation to the interviews. Candidates who reside outside of a 90-mile radius will be provided with hotel accommodations for the days of the interviews..
When does the fellowship start?
Late July/Early August, 2015
Can I apply a year early?
Yes, applicants who wish to be considered for the 2016-17 fellowship can apply early and complete an application by the September deadline. The threshold for the early decision candidates is usually higher. Early decision applicants complete the same application as all applicants and are required to mark the box indicating that they are applying for early decision.
Who is considered for a two-year surgical fellowship?
Applicants who are currently in an ACGME program are qualified for the Surgical Fellowship. Surgical applicants complete the same application as all applicants; and are required to mark the box indicating that they are applying for the surgical fellowship on the application.
How are applicants evaluated?
Applicants will be judged in terms of potential to become leaders in biomedical technology innovation, including demonstrated potential for creativity, invention and implementation.
What are the qualifications to apply?
We encourage all who are interested in the program apply for the program. We highly encourage applicants with a background in engineering, medicine, biosciences or relevant business /technology are encouraged to apply. Candidates will be judged in terms of potential to become leaders in biomedical technology innovation, including demonstrated potential for creativity, invention and implementation.
What is the application fee?
We charge a $75 non-refundable application fee. This fee is waived if you are a current Stanford student, fellow, postdoc, resident or staff.