Change Maker Accelerator

History and Founding Story

The Change Maker Accelerator is an initiative by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) as part of its broader commitment to clinician resilience and well-being. While the specific founding date of the accelerator isn't detailed, it emerged from the critical need to address health workforce well-being, particularly in the context of the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being. The program aims to institutionalize well-being as a long-term value within healthcare organizations, fostering a community of practice dedicated to this vital cause.

Mission and Values

The core mission of the Change Maker Accelerator is to facilitate and measure progress in implementing the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being at an institutional level. It values collaboration, data-driven progress, and shared learning among leaders committed to improving the well-being of health workers. The program seeks to spotlight successful organizational efforts, inspiring broader adoption of well-being initiatives across the healthcare landscape and accelerating collective efforts towards a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Program Structure and Timeline

The accelerator operates with a cohort model, with applications typically accepted for specific cohorts (e.g., the 2026 cohort). While a precise duration isn't specified, the program involves ongoing engagement, including quarterly data submissions, monthly coaching sessions, and periodic joint learning sessions. Participants are expected to co-develop and implement an action plan to advance their well-being portfolios in a measurable way throughout their participation. The program also includes approximately two hybrid Collaborative-wide convenings per year.

Mentorship and Network

Participants benefit from a robust network and mentorship opportunities. Monthly coaching sessions are described as candid, small-group discussions facilitated by experienced well-being leaders. These sessions provide direct guidance and a platform for addressing specific challenges. Joint Learning Sessions offer opportunities for the full cohort to convene, fostering cross-learning on successes and shared challenges. Furthermore, Accelerators serve as liaisons between their organizations and the Collaborative, facilitating multi-directional communication and learning within a growing group of leaders.

Investment Terms

The provided content does not specify any direct financial investment or grant funding provided to the participating organizations. The program focuses on providing resources, guidance, and a collaborative platform rather than monetary investment.

What Makes It Unique

What sets the Change Maker Accelerator apart is its direct alignment with the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being. It's not just about general well-being initiatives but about tracking and implementing a national strategy at an organizational level. The emphasis on data submission, facilitated by a secure dashboard and technical support from NAM staff, ensures a rigorous, evidence-based approach to improving outcomes. The blend of individual coaching, cohort-wide learning sessions, and public convenings creates a comprehensive support system for institutional change.

Notable Outcomes

While specific past outcomes or alumni success stories are not detailed in the provided content, the program aims to spotlight the work of participating organizations. The intention is to inspire others to operationalize the National Plan and accelerate collective efforts toward well-being, suggesting that successful implementation within participating institutions is a key outcome.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

Participants can expect a dynamic and engaged experience. This includes regularly contributing organization-level data on well-being progress via a secure dashboard, attending virtual monthly coaching sessions for candid discussions, and participating in quarterly Joint Learning Sessions for broader insights. They will also engage in approximately two hybrid Collaborative-wide convenings annually. A significant part of their role will involve co-developing and implementing an action plan for their organization's well-being portfolio and acting as liaisons to facilitate communication and learning within the collaborative network. NAM staff will provide training and technical support for data submission and ongoing program engagement.