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 the 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. ASP partners with 12 internal medicine specialty societies to offer the Williams awards in 12 specialties, including general internal medicine.