SAUCM™ Fellowship Program · Inaugural 2026 Cohort

Three Pathways.
One AUCM Standard.

The first competency-based academic credential in urgent care medicine. Choose your track — AUCM-E, AUCM-X, or AUCM-C — and earn a nationally recognized credential with ACGME-aligned milestones at every stage.

AUCM Credential Program — At a Glance
3
Track Options
7
ACGME Domains
72h+
AMA CME Credits
FACUM
Capstone
🏅AUCM-E · AUCM-X · AUCM-C credentials
FACUM — Fellow of Academic Urgent Care Medicine
Ambient AI-CDSS proficiency (Coming Soon)
🔬QI project + Annals journal access (AUCM-C)
📱iOS app · RWE dashboard · Full platform
🔄Upgrade anytime — credit carries forward
3Program Tracks
7ACGME Domains
72+CME Credits
CBMEFramework
FCUCMCredential Path
HybridNational Delivery
Why SAUCM Fellowship

The Only Fellowship Built for Academic UC Medicine

Existing programs focus on clinical productivity. SAUCM is designed for physicians who want to advance the specialty — through scholarship, technology, and leadership.

✦ SAUCM Academic Fellowship
ACGME-aligned competency framework — all 7 domains with milestone mapping
Ambient AI-CDSS training — learn with real-time decision support technology
Academic research track — manuscript preparation, QI project, IRB pathway
Full virtual curriculum — 8 SCORM-compatible online course modules
Programmatic assessment — Mini-CEX, Tele-OSCE, 360° feedback, procedure logs
SAUCM founding institution benefits — journal access, conference, research grants
Population health & equity lens — RWE, learning health system, LHS methodology
Telemedicine & digital health — full rotation, virtual triage certification
Typical UC Fellowship Programs
⚠️Non-ACGME, UCA-only accreditation (CityMD, Carbon Health)
⚠️No dedicated AI/digital health training component
No academic research track or publication support
⚠️Limited or no online curriculum — site-specific only
⚠️Variable assessment tools, often informal feedback
No society-level journal or research grant access
No population health or health equity training
⚠️Telehealth optional or not included (Vituity, MedStar)
12-Month Curriculum

Three Phases. One Transformative Year.

Each phase builds progressively — from clinical mastery in Months 1–4, through advanced specialty integration in 5–8, to leadership and academic scholarship in 9–12.

I
Months 1–4
Clinical Foundations
Master the core skills of urgent care — acute clinical decision-making, procedural competency, and diagnostic interpretation under structured supervision.
Acute Decision-Making Procedural Skills X-Ray / ECG / POCUS Centor · Ottawa · qSOFA
II
Months 5–8
Advanced Integration
Specialty rotations through Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Radiology, and Occupational Medicine with increasing clinical independence.
EM Rotation Pediatric UC Ortho / Sports Med Telemedicine
III
Months 9–12
Leadership & Scholarship
Lead quality improvement projects, develop research protocols, and build the academic and operational skills to shape urgent care at the system level.
QI Project Research Protocol CMS Metrics Manuscript Submission
Program Design

Why 3, 6, and 12 Months?

Urgent care clinicians enter the field from highly variable backgrounds. The ACGME CBME framework supports modular, milestone-gated progression — each duration maps to a defined clinical readiness level.

03
Foundational Practice

3-Month Essentials

The top 10 presenting complaints account for ~70–75% of real UC volume. Mastery of this core set is sufficient for safe independent practice in the majority of encounters.

  • CBME supports this as a valid EPA attainment milestone — supervised-to-independent transition for core conditions
  • Serves clinicians new to UC, experienced providers needing formal credentials, and those with limited scheduling availability
  • Aligns with recognized post-graduate transition periods from high supervision to increasing independence
ACGME Early Practitioner Exit
06
Intermediate Competency

6-Month Expanded

25+ conditions spanning respiratory, cardiovascular, pediatric, and behavioral health require systematic exposure that cannot be adequately compressed below 6 months.

  • Minimum time needed to reach Procedural Level 3 across an expanded set including POCUS and radiology interpretation
  • Practice-Based Learning and Improvement requires sufficient case volume for one complete QI cycle with measurable data
  • Serves practitioners expanding scope, preparing for FCUCM pathway, or building toward the 12-month track
ACGME Mid-Level Practitioner Exit
12
Expert Practice

12-Month Comprehensive

Full-scope competency, Procedural Level 4, an original QI project, and a complete FCUCM portfolio require a 12-month minimum.

  • Systems-Based Practice and leadership competencies require exposure to full operational cycles — budget, quality reporting, peer review
  • Scholarly activity needs time for topic selection, data collection, analysis, and presentation alongside clinical duties
  • 8-rotation structure provides breadth to understand UC as a system, not only a collection of conditions
ACGME Graduation Exit + FCUCM
ACGME Competency Framework

Seven Domains. Fully Mapped to Milestones.

Every SAUCM Fellowship course maps directly to ACGME core competencies, with progressive milestone tracking from early training to graduation-level mastery.

🧠
Acute Clinical Decision-Making
Risk stratification, Bayesian reasoning, red-flag recognition, safe disposition across the full spectrum of UC presentations.
Patient Care · Medical Knowledge
🔧
Procedural Competency
Laceration repair, splinting, I&D, foreign body removal, Morgan lens irrigation, anterior nasal packing — all logged and supervisor-verified.
Patient Care
🩻
Diagnostic Interpretation
X-ray, ECG, POCUS, and lab integration for urgent care presentations. Imaging stewardship and appropriateness criteria.
Medical Knowledge
🔄
Care Transitions & Triage
ESI triage, SBAR communication, ED transfer criteria, transfer documentation, and safe patient handoff protocols.
SBP · ICS
🌍
Population Health Integration
Vaccination, occupational medicine, health equity, real-world evidence generation and learning health system methodology.
PBLI · Systems-Based Practice
📱
Digital Health & Telemedicine
Virtual triage protocols, telehealth platforms, Ambient AI-CDSS proficiency, and remote patient management certification.
Medical Knowledge · PBLI
📊
QI & Leadership
PDSA cycles, CMS quality metrics, healthcare operations, research protocol design, and faculty-level scholarly dissemination.
PBLI · Professionalism · SBP
Curriculum by Track

What You'll Learn

Content is calibrated to each track's milestone exit point. E = Essentials · X = Expanded · C = Comprehensive.

Acute Illness — Core10 core conditions: pharyngitis, UTI, sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis, influenza, musculoskeletal, lacerations, abscesses, sprains
EXC
Acute Illness — Expanded25+ conditions incl. chest pain evaluation, DVT/PE risk stratification, pediatric presentations, dermatology, STIs, abdominal pain
XC
Pediatric Urgent CareFever protocols, croup, bronchiolitis, pediatric dosing, developmental milestones, safeguarding, pediatric procedures
XC
Procedures — CoreLaceration repair, I&D abscess, splinting, nail avulsion, foreign body removal — Level 3 independent
EXC
Procedures — ExpandedIV access, POCUS, joint aspiration, Foley catheterization, venipuncture — Level 3 independent with complication management
XC
High-Acuity RecognitionSepsis (qSOFA), STEMI analog referral, acute stroke pathway, anaphylaxis, respiratory failure, altered mental status
C
Clinical Rotations (8)UC core 16 wks · EM · Pediatrics · Orthopedics · Radiology · Occupational Health · Dermatology · Behavioral Health
C
Pharmacology & PrescribingEvidence-based antibiotic selection, IDSA/ACP guidelines, antibiogram use, NSAID/analgesic management, drug interactions
EXC
Antibiotic StewardshipDelayed prescribing, point-of-care testing, resistance patterns, local antibiogram, IDSA stewardship frameworks
EXC
Diagnostic ReasoningBayesian clinical thinking, pre-test probability, Centor, Ottawa, PERC, HEART, CURB-65 decision tools
XC
Radiology InterpretationChest X-ray, extremity films, CT interpretation for UC indications, point-of-care ultrasound fundamentals
XC
Research MethodsStudy design, IRB process, real-world evidence, QI methodology (PDSA, Lean), case report preparation, literature appraisal
C
Patient CommunicationBrief encounter communication, discharge instruction clarity, health literacy adaptation, follow-up planning, return precautions, teach-back
EXC
Difficult ConversationsDelivering unexpected diagnoses, managing expectations, cultural competency, interpreter use, patients with limited English proficiency
XC
Team-Based CareMA/RN collaboration, team documentation, SBAR handoff, supervision of APPs, interdisciplinary briefings
XC
Chart Audit & Self-AssessmentStructured chart review, documentation quality, coding accuracy, identifying practice gaps, CME planning, self-reflection tools
EXC
QI ParticipationPDSA cycles, Lean/Six Sigma in UC, metric identification, dashboard interpretation, patient satisfaction integration
XC
Original QI ProjectFull-cycle project from problem identification through data collection, intervention, re-measurement, and presentation at internal or external forum
C
UC OperationsPatient flow, triage systems, throughput metrics, door-to-provider time, staffing models, operational reporting, EHR optimization
EXC
Coding & BillingE&M level selection, procedure coding, modifier use, payer mix management, denial patterns, compliance and audit processes
XC
Leadership & Medical DirectionMedical director roles, OSHA/regulatory compliance, peer review, staff credentialing, policy development, team leadership principles
C
Health System IntegrationUC as triage gateway, primary care/ED interface, referral networks, population health in UC, value-based care models
C
Ethics in UCAutonomy and consent in acute settings, capacity assessment, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, end-of-life considerations in UC
EXC
Well-Being & Burnout PreventionUC-specific stressors, resilience frameworks, peer support, work-life balance, identifying burnout, EAP resources
XC
Professional Identity in UCRole of UC in healthcare, advocacy, professional societies, academic contributions, mentorship, career development planning
C
Required Activities

Structured Assessment at Every Step

Unlike programs that rely on informal feedback, SAUCM uses validated, programmatic assessment tools throughout the fellowship year.

📋
Mini-CEX Clinical Evaluation
Monthly · 12 per year minimum
Structured point-of-care assessment across 6 domains: history, exam, reasoning, management, communication, professionalism. Supervisor feedback delivered same day via the CDSS portal.
🔧
Procedure Log (DOPS)
Continuous · Per-procedure minimums required
Every procedure logged with supervision level, complexity, and supervisor attestation. System tracks progress to minimum requirements per Appendix D of the ACGME framework.
💻
Tele-OSCE Simulation
Quarterly · 4 per year
Standardized virtual clinical evaluation. Assesses telemedicine proficiency, care transitions, and communication across distance. Graded with structured rubric.
👥
Multi-Source Feedback (360°)
Biannual · Nurses, staff, patients, peers
Full 360° feedback from nurses, colleagues, staff, and patients. Data aggregated anonymously and presented with trending comparison to cohort averages.
📊
Chart Audit & Documentation Review
Monthly · ACGME guideline concordance
AI-assisted chart audit reviews documentation quality, guideline adherence, and clinical reasoning. Personalized feedback identifies improvement opportunities.
🔬
QI Project & Research Portfolio
Phase 3 · One complete scholarly product
Design and execute a PDSA quality improvement project or quasi-experimental research study. Complete with IRB pathway, statistical analysis, and presentation or manuscript submission.
Case-Based Module Quizzes
Per lesson · Clinical scenario format
Every online module ends with validated clinical case questions. Adaptive difficulty. Minimum 70% to advance. National benchmarking against SAUCM cohort.
🩺
Radiology Read Sessions
Weekly during Phase 1–2 rotations
Supervised interpretation of chest X-rays, MSK films, sinuses, and soft tissue studies. Cases drawn from real urgent care patient encounters with attending review.
Pricing & Enrollment

Choose Your AUCM Track

All tracks include the SAUCM virtual curriculum, AUCM credential upon completion, CUCM assessment tools, case quiz bank, and iOS app access.

3-Month Track
AUCM — Essentials
$1,480
$980 / 1-year access
Save $500 — inaugural 2026 pricing
6 core curriculum modules
5 essential procedure types with supervisor log
Top 10 UC diagnoses — evidence-based
Mini-CEX ×3 with structured feedback
24h AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
AUCM-E credential on post-test completion
iOS app · Case quiz bank

Upgrade to AUCM-X at any time — price difference only

Most Popular
6-Month Track
AUCM — Expanded
$2,280
$1,480 / 1-year access
Save $800 — best value for UC practitioners
Everything in Essentials
12 procedure types + specialty modules
Derm, ortho, peds, ENT, eye modules
Cardio & neurological UC module
Telemedicine fundamentals certification
48h AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
AUCM-X credential + partial FACUM credit

Group pricing — contact SAUCM for team rates

12-Month Track
AUCM — Comprehensive
$3,480
$2,180 / 1-year access
Save $1,300 — academic leadership edition
Everything in Expanded
Ambient AI-CDSS proficiency certificate
Academic research methodology module
Full QI project — complete PDSA execution
Leadership & scholarship track
72h+ AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
AUCM-C + full FACUM pathway

Medical Director Dashboard available for groups

Competency Milestones

Clear Benchmarks. Transparent Progress.

Every fellow knows exactly where they stand at every stage. Milestones align to ACGME standards — no ambiguity about what graduation competency requires.

Competency Domain Early · Months 1–4 Mid · Months 5–8 Graduation · Months 9–12
Clinical Decision-Making Recognizes common presentations under supervision Independent evaluation of most UC cases Advanced triage, risk stratification, complex cases
Procedural Skills Direct supervision; procedure logs initiated Increasing independence; competency verified Independent proceduralist across all HMH competencies
Diagnostic Interpretation Basic imaging with supervision; critical findings Independent X-ray / ECG; appropriate ordering Advanced reasoning; imaging stewardship leader
Care Transitions & Triage Understands referral pathways Leads transfer communications System-level triage initiative leadership
Telemedicine / Digital Health Observational virtual encounters Independent virtual evaluation Telehealth program leadership; AI-CDSS proficient
QI & Leadership Participates in QI; data collection Designs QI interventions; presents findings Leads system QI; scholarly dissemination
Professionalism Demonstrates; punctuality; patient-centered Models professionalism; peer teaching Faculty-level teaching; leadership role model
UC-CDSS Encounter — Maria Johnson, 35F
AI Active
Live Differential — Centor Score 3
Acute Bacterial Pharyngitis
Fever · Exudate · No cough · Teacher · Fall season
82%
Viral Pharyngitis
Possible — cough absent argues against
14%
Infectious Mononucleosis
Age 35 — less likely; order Monospot if RADT −
4%
⚠️ IDSA 2012: Test-and-treat preferred. RADT before prescribing. Avoid empiric antibiotics at Centor 3.
AI-CDSS Technology Integration

Train with Tomorrow's
Clinical Technology

SAUCM fellows train side-by-side with our Ambient AI Clinical Decision Support System — the industry's first real-time, conversation-driven diagnostic support platform. You don't just learn about AI in medicine. You use it daily.

  • Ambient AI listens to the clinical encounter and auto-populates the chart — fellows learn to validate and refine AI-generated documentation
  • Real-time differential diagnosis with calibrated probability scores and evidence-based guideline citations
  • Antibiotic and imaging stewardship nudges aligned to CDC, IDSA, and ACEP guidelines
  • Smart dosing engine with renal/hepatic adjustments, drug interaction checking, and e-prescribe integration
  • Structured provider override workflow teaches critical appraisal of AI recommendations
  • Personal RWE dashboard shows each fellow's own clinical outcomes data for reflective practice
What Fellows Are Saying

Built by Clinicians, For Clinicians

★★★★★
"

SAUCM is the first fellowship that treated urgent care medicine as a true academic discipline — not just productivity training. The AI-CDSS integration alone is worth the year.

Dr. A. Chen, MD
PGY-1 Fellow · 2026 Cohort · HMH Urgent Care
★★★★★
"

The research methodology training changed how I think about my own practice. I submitted my first QI manuscript in Month 11 — something I never would have done without this program.

Dr. B. Park, DO
PGY-2 Fellow · 2026 Cohort · HMH West
★★★★★
"

The milestone framework made it impossible to hide gaps. Hard at times, but graduating with documented competency across every ACGME domain gave me incredible confidence for leadership.

Dr. R. Patel, MD, FCUCM
Fellowship Graduate · Medical Director, HMH Main
Eligibility & Application

Who Should Apply?

SAUCM Fellowship is open to physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants committed to urgent care medicine as an academic career. We accept candidates from multiple training backgrounds.

MD or DO from LCME/COCA-accredited medical school
Completion of residency in EM, FM, IM, Pediatrics, or Occ Med
Active, unrestricted medical license in good standing
Minimum 1,000 hours UC experience (2,000 preferred)
Two letters of recommendation from physician peers
Statement of scholarly interest or previous academic work
🩺 Advanced Practice Providers (PAs, NPs)
Active, unrestricted medical license in good standing
Minimum 1,000 hours UC experience (2,000 preferred)
Two letters of recommendation from physician peers
Statement of scholarly interest or previous academic work
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

SAUCM Fellowship is designed with full ACGME competency alignment and structured programmatic assessment. We are pursuing ACGME recognition as part of the Phase 3–4 policy roadmap. Currently, the fellowship follows the ACGME framework and earns CUCM/UCA accreditation, with the FCUCM credential pathway. Our goal is full ACGME accreditation by 2027.
CityMD and Carbon Health offer non-ACGME, 20-week intensive clinical programs excellent for clinical skill building. SAUCM is a 12-month academic fellowship with research tracks, virtual curriculum modules, Ambient AI-CDSS integration, and a pathway to the FCUCM credential and Annals of Urgent Care Medicine publication. SAUCM is for physicians who want to lead and advance the specialty, not just practice it.
SAUCM Fellowship is designed as a hybrid virtual + clinical program. The online curriculum modules, case quizzes, and most assessment tools are accessible asynchronously. Clinical rotations and procedure requirements must be arranged through a participating SAUCM member institution. We are actively partnering with SAUCM founding institutions to enable enrolled fellows to complete rotations locally.
Compensation structure varies by participating site. SAUCM is working with founding member institutions to establish standardized stipend frameworks. The Vituity and MedStar APP fellowship models are reference points; our goal is parity with those programs. Contact fellowship@saucm.org to discuss your specific institution's arrangements.
Eight rotations totaling 36 weeks of structured clinical experience: Urgent Care Clinical Service (16 weeks), Emergency Medicine (4 weeks), Pediatric Urgent Care (4 weeks), Orthopedics/Sports Medicine (4 weeks), Radiology/Imaging (2 weeks), Occupational Medicine (2 weeks), Telemedicine/Digital Health (2 weeks), and Quality Improvement/Administration (2 weeks).
Fellows receive full access to the SAUCM Ambient AI UC-CDSS platform — a real-time clinical decision support system that integrates with their encounters. Training includes proficiency certification in ambient documentation, real-time differential diagnosis interpretation, stewardship nudge evaluation, and structured provider override decision-making. This prepares fellows for the increasingly AI-enabled urgent care environment.
The inaugural 2026 cohort is planned to begin in July 2026, pending completion of institutional partnerships. Cohort size is intentionally small — 8–12 fellows — to ensure personalized mentorship and high-quality programmatic assessment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged as positions are competitive and limited.
⚠️ 2026 Inaugural Cohort — Applications Open Now

Ready to Shape the Future
of Urgent Care Medicine?

Join the inaugural SAUCM Fellowship cohort and become one of the first physicians trained in the academic urgent care medicine framework. Spots are extremely limited.

📋 Complete Full Application → 📧 Email fellowship@saucm.org