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RDDCTM2026 Rare Disease Fellowship Program Application

The Rare Diseases Diversity Coalition (RDDCTM) is excited to invite organizations to apply as host sites for the 2026 Rare Disease Fellowship Program.

RDDC Opportunities

About the Program

This program is designed to empower the next generation of the healthcare workforce committed to advancing equity in the rare disease space. Centered on the lived experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, rural, and lower-income communities, the fellowship offers a meaningful opportunity to work alongside leading rare disease organizations to strengthen equitable and ethical practices. Each fellow gains firsthand insight into the realities of those impacted by rare diseases and is afforded the opportunity to influence more inclusive research, care, and support services.

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Fellowship Overview:

  • Duration: Six months 
  • Open to: Medical students, early-career physicians (practicing for less than five years), nurses, medical researchers, and medical or nursing residents with a proven interest in addressing rare disease disparities among medically underrepresented populations.
  • Priority Consideration: Given to individuals from historically marginalized communities, including individuals living with disabilities or a rare disease.

Previous and Current Host Sites:

  • Rare Disease Diversity Coalition
  • The Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformations
  • American Muslim Health Professionals
  • Gillette Children'
  • Undiagnosed Diseases Network Coordinating Center/Harvard Medical School

Host-Site Requirements:

  • Type: Rare disease organizations (advocacy, research, medical/healthcare). - Identify 1-3 projects addressing significant issues for people living with rare diseases with an emphasis on addressing diversity, inclusion, and health equity.
  • Capacity to perform interviews with referred candidates and submit final decisions.
  • Capacity to maintain weekly communication, track time and virtual attendance, and support the fellow in achieving program goals.
  • Provide necessary resources, access to equipment and programs needed to complete duties, and provide additional funding when applicable for meeting attendance to enhance the fellowship experience.
  • Capacity to attend required meetings with RDDC to assess fellowship progress.
  • Commitment to training, mentoring, and supporting the fellow throughout the program.
  • Ability to receive fellowship funds from RDDC and disperse monthly payments to the fellow.
  • Must have programs and/or services that address diversity, inclusion, and health equity within the rare disease populations they serve.

Mentor Responsibilities:

  • Oversee fellow’s work activities and foster professional development.
  • Integrate the fellow into the host site environment and broaden their network.
  • Provide financial support for meeting attendance and work-related materials.
  • Express a caring and interested attitude in the fellow's activities and goals.
  • Commit to spending four hours per week with the fellow during the first month and two hours per week thereafter. 

Host Site Selection Criteria: 

  • Scope, quality, and diversity of experience offered to the fellow.
  • Experience of supervisors/mentors.
  • Potential professional development opportunities for the fellow. 

Benefits to Hosting an RDDC Fellow: 

  • Address unmet community needs.
  • Infuse additional capacity and expertise.
  • Cost-effective collaboration.
  • Connect with a network of rare disease partners.
  • Contribute to inspiring the next generation of rare disease advocates and healthcare professionals.

Timeline

  • Host Site Application Opens August 2025

  • Final Candidates selected by September 2025

  • RDDC Fellow begins February 2026

 

Application Deadline:

August 25, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.

The RDDC is a partnership of rare disease experts, patient and provider organizations, and health equity advocates working to address the extraordinary challenges faced by rare disease patients of diverse communities. It is committed to being a catalyst for rare disease patients who have been marginalized and the extraordinary challenges they face, seeking solutions on diversity in research and clinical trials, in the healthcare workforce, in policy and legislation, improving access and coverage, and increasing provider and patient engagement. RDDC seeks to identify and advocate for evidenced-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on these communities and help achieve greater equity within the rare disease community. 

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