During the 20th century, America’s health care system evolved to meet the needs of a younger generation. Now, the nation’s
health system is facing a shift from a population dominated by young and middle-aged people to one dominated by older citizens.
The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) created the T. Franklin Williams Scholars Program to address the health care
needs of this growing segment of society.
Through strong partnerships with specialty societies and the generous commitment of Atlantic Philanthropies (USA) Inc., and support of the John A. Hartford Foundation, ASP developed a research award program for specialists in the early years of their first faculty appointment.
The two- to four-year T. Franklin Williams Awards provide between $50,000 and $75,000 per year to young investigators
interested in a geriatric aspect of their specialty. ASP partners with 12 specialty societies to offer the award in
12 internal medicine specialties, including general internal medicine. The 6th class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars was announced in July 2007.
ASP has funded 52 scholars since the program's launch in 2002.
In addition to conducting research, throughout the duration of the award, all
scholars are active in educating peers, fellows, and residents in geriatric subspecialty topics through involvement in
curriculum development, speaking at training sessions, or mentoring peers. All scholars continue to be involved in
geriatric subspecialty medicine.
Recently, ASP received a $4.5 million grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies to support a second phase of the program. ASP
will now offer awards through 2010.
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