The First Practice Fund, presented by PracticeLink, celebrates the dedication of residents, fellows, and students who are shaping the future of patient care.
This fall, $2,500 scholarships will be awarded across six categories, recognizing outstanding commitment, professionalism, and passion for medicine.
Applications for the Fall 2026 First Practice Fund are now open, and will close November 13, 2026.
Recipients will be announced the week of December 15, 2026. If you missed the application deadline of November 13th for this fall round, please be on the look-out for the spring 2027 opening date.
For physicians pursuing careers in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and other outpatient practices in clinical settings focused on preventive care, chronic disease management, and continuity of care.
Apply — Outpatient Primary CareFor those entering hospital-based specialties such as emergency medicine, anesthesiology, pathology or hospitalist roles — where care is primarily delivered within inpatient or acute care settings.
Apply — Hospital-based MedicineFor individuals training in or entering subspecialties such as cardiology, dermatology, neurology, orthopedics or other focused fields requiring additional training beyond general practice.
Apply — Specialty PracticeFor applicants training through an ACGME-accredited Rural Training Track and committed to delivering healthcare in underserved or remote communities with limited access to medical services.
Apply — Rural MedicineFor current medical students enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school, including those in their pre-clinical or clinical years, pursuing a path toward residency and eventual practice.
Apply — Medical SchoolFor nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs) and other advanced practice professionals preparing for or currently entering clinical practice in any setting or specialty.
Apply — APPs
Ballad Health is an integrated healthcare system serving communities throughout the Appalachian Highlands of Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Through hospitals, physician practices, and community partnerships, Ballad Health is working to improve access to care and strengthen the health of the region.
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A free PracticeLink account is required to participate. If you're not already registered, a free account will be created for you - no extra steps needed.