Applying — Timeline
Your path to the PSDP
All candidates should time their application so that PSDP-sponsored research training begins approximately 15 months after applying. Review the key dates below for this application cycle.
2026 Cycle
Key dates
Mark your calendar — eligibility forms are submitted once a candidate is endorsed by their sponsoring institution, ahead of the full application deadline.
Eligibility form due — 1–2 candidates
For institutions with one or two interested candidates, eligibility forms are due to the PSDP Program Office by February 15, 2026.
Eligibility form due — 3+ candidates
Institutions with more than two interested candidates must complete an internal selection process and submit their finalists’ eligibility forms by March 1, 2026.
Full application deadline — all tracks
All application documents must be uploaded via REDCap and received by 11:59 pm on April 15, 2026.
Applicants notified of decision
All applicants are notified of the Selection Committee’s decision. Successful candidates receive instructions for beginning their fellowship.
Protected research begins — all fellows
All PSDP Fellows begin their protected research time on July 1 — approximately 15 months after submitting their application.
Weekend rule: if any deadline above falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is automatically due the next business day.
The application submission deadline is April 15, 2026. For most candidates, the application will be due by April 15 of the PGY-3 year. Those candidates who are in a clinical fellowship may apply by April 15 of their first fellowship year.
All candidates should time their application submission so that PSDP-sponsored research training will begin ~15 months after applying. For example, fellows who entered the PSDP in July 2025 would have applied in 2024.
The Program Administrator will provide the application form with instructions to candidates verified as eligible to apply. Please note candidates must be endorsed by their sponsoring institution (institutions are limited to no more than two applicants) before sending the Eligibility Form to the Program Administrator. It is advantageous for the applicant to submit their eligibility form as soon as possible so they may have more time to complete their full application before the April 15, 2026 deadline (should they be deemed eligible).
Applicants are notified in June. Upon acceptance into the program, all PSDP fellows are expected to begin their protected research time on July 1, ~15 months after submission of the application.
