Giving Circle for the Advancement of Women (GCAW) Award

Eligibility

Applicants must meet four criteria to be eligible to apply for the GCAW award. These criteria are in place for the 2025–2026 calendar years and open to change based on GCAW Founding Circle and Legacy Circle discussion and the availability for the SIR Foundation staff to implement.

• Applicants must be citizens of the United States or Canada or those who have permanent resident status therein.
  • Permanent residents must submit documentation of their status.
  • An exception can be made if an applicant is at an institution in the U.S. or Canada and is on a visa. A letter will be required from the department chair guaranteeing completion of the project. 

• Active SIR member
• MD, DO, PhD or PhD equivalent
• SIR members currently serving in a leadership position in the SIR or SIR Foundation** are not eligible to apply for or receive new grant/research funding or award from the SIR Foundation during the term of their tenure.

  ** defined as: Board of Directors; members of the Steering Council or Clinical Specialty Council; and chair/vice chair of an SIR/SIR Foundation committee, division or section.

How to apply

Applicants will submit their award applications online through our dedicated portal. The application process includes providing:

• Personal, professional and academic information
• A personal statement outlining their leadership goals
• A course description and summary of total costs of the course
• Letters of recommendation 

All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee.

Review process

• SIR Foundation staff review eligibility of applicants.

• Founding Circle members score blinded applications and present them to all GCAW Circle members. GCAW members will vote on one or more opportunities to fund for the cycle.

• GCAW awardees will be informed on October 1, 2026.

• After completion of the program, recipient(s) will share with GCAW their experience either in person at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting or at a virtual meeting.

Potential funding opportunities

The 2026 RLI Summit equips radiologists to lead through one of healthcare’s most transformative moments. As AI reshapes the profession, success depends not only on technology, but on the human skills needed to lead change, build trust and turn innovation into impact.

Led by Babson College faculty and respected radiology leaders, this highly interactive Summit blends business-school frameworks with real-world cases to strengthen communication, credibility and applied AI decision-making.

Whether you lead formally or through influence, you’ll leave with sharper clarity, a stronger leadership presence and an actionable plan to guide AI and change in your practice — tools you can use immediately.

• Dates/location: October 16-18, Atlanta, GA
• Cost: $1,910 members; $2,695 non-member
• Registration deadline: September 21, 2026

Leadership Development for Physicians in Academic Medical Centers This 2-week on-site program brings together physicians in administrative positions in academic medical centers to Harvard’s Longwood Campus for an intensive and systematic study of the critical leadership and management issues facing academic medical centers.

• Dates: October 1-4, Boston, MA
• Cost: $11,200
• Registration deadline: September TBD

Organizational Leadership in Academic Medicine (OLAM) for New Associate Deans and Department Chairs The challenges leaders in academic medicine face in today’s ever-changing business environment are increasingly complex. As a new associate dean or department chair, you are responsible for critical operational functions that guide the success of your institution. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) developed the Organizational Leadership in Academic Medicine (OLAM) for New Associate Deans and Department Chairs with your unique professional challenges in mind. It is designed to ensure you are equipped with the essential leadership and management skills needed to support your institutions' mission and goals.

• Dates: October 6-8, 2026
• Location: Westin Westminster, Colorado
• Cost: $2,575 early bird; $2,950 standard
• Application deadline: TBD

The role of the chief medical officer (CMO) has rapidly evolved as the health care environment has grown more complex. It is important for today’s academic medicine leaders to train and prepare the next generation of CMOs to successfully meet both the clinical and business demands of this position. This 15-month executive training program defines the unique role, responsibilities, and influence of the CMO as a high-functioning member of the C-suite.

Using a blended approach of peer learning, paired mentors, independent project work and face-to-face and virtual meetings, this curriculum, designed by teaching hospital and health system CMOs, covers administrative and leadership topics that are critical to CMOs’ success.

• Dates: September 2026, January and March 2027
• Location and cost: Contact AAMC for details

Thriving, Leading, Transforming: Rooted in Purpose, Rising in Power, Committed to Service

This year’s meeting celebrates the strength, resilience, and vision of those transforming medicine from the inside out—leading with purpose, thriving in community, and serving with heart. By popular demand, portions of the meeting will also be offered virtually by livestream (keynotes, plenary, gala) and some workshops will be offered as enduring content, depending on speaker availability).

• Dates: March 2027
• Location: Washington, DC
• Cost: Varies based on category of membership

Designed for women physicians at every career stage and across all specialties, geographies and aspirations, AMWA ELEVATE delivers content with a dynamic, experiential approach that guides participants to leverage their personal strengths and embrace their unique leadership styles. This fully virtual program enables you to participate from anywhere in the U.S. or around the world.

With a blend of self-paced modules and monthly group coaching sessions, AMWA ELEVATE offers the flexibility to fit seamlessly into even the busiest schedule. Graduates consistently report that applying concepts and strategies gained together has profoundly transformed their lives. In choosing to participate in AMWA ELEVATE, you are giving yourself the opportunity to capitalize on your strengths, stretch your capabilities and accelerate your growth as a physician leader.

• Dates: September-June
• Cost: See website
• Application deadline: Rolling acceptance until cohort is filled

***Submission of an application for the Giving Circle for the Advancement of Women (GCAW) Award does not constitute an assurance of acceptance into the proposed program or of receiving funding, whether partial or full, for the proposed program.

***In accordance with SIR Foundation and Giving Circle for the Advancement of Women (GCAW) bylaws, funds will be disbursed only after GCAW has completed its review of submitted applications and selected award recipients. Please note that funds cannot be advanced prior to the proposed meeting, program or event if the application deadline falls before the GCAW award review period.