AIM-AHEAD is recruiting coaches for the 2025-2026 AIM-AHEAD FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) Collaborative Training Program.

The purpose of the AIM-AHEAD FHIR Collaborative Training Program is to train, accelerate, and sustain workforce development in FHIR and related technologies in various disciplines from academia, industry, and community-based organizations. We aim to expand and empower a skilled workforce, including researchers, practicing clinicians, healthcare providers, developers, informaticists, and graduate students, that is proficient in the FHIR standard, its practical applications, and its implementation, with a focus on research, innovation, and quality improvement. The AIM-AHEAD FHIR Collaborative Training Program will not only equip trainees with FHIR skills but also foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, laying the groundwork for a more seamless integration of FHIR within basic, clinical, social, and behavioral sciences.

Please read the Calls for Proposals for all 2025-2026 AIM-AHEAD FHIR Training Program (now closed).

Trainees will be matched with an experienced, skilled coach from the AIM-AHEAD Consortium to provide support and guidance through program milestones, including preparing a research project. Only AIM-AHEAD FHIR Track 3 trainees will be paired with a coach. 

Stipend Details:

Coaches will support 1 trainee each and will be compensated a total stipend of $1,000 for their time dedicated. Payment will be made at the end of the program. 

(See Terms and Conditions below for additional stipend information).

Selection Process:

The AIM-AHEAD Training Program Coach Application will be open from February 3-February 10, 2026. Once Coaches are selected, they will receive an official email notification from UNTHSC’s AIM-AHEAD office. The notification will specify next steps. All selected Coaches will be notified by February 13, 2026. Coaches will begin meeting with their assigned trainees by mid-February. 

AIM-AHEAD Coaches

Eligibility Criteria for AIM-AHEAD Coaches:

• We welcome coaches with multidisciplinary expertise to ensure trainees benefit from a range of perspectives, real‑world insights, and professional norms that enrich their development. This may include individuals from the following areas, but not limited to:
• Healthcare providers
• Allied health
• Informaticists
• Software Engineers 
• Physical sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics).
• Biological or life sciences (e.g., biology, zoology, biochemistry, microbiology)
• Mathematics or statistics
• Data science
• Engineering
• Social Scientists
• Health sciences (e.g., pharmacy, psychology, health information technology, nursing, social work)
• Population Health / Public health (epidemiology, biostatistics, health administration, clinical implementation specialists)
• Coaching experience preferred
• Coaches can hold positions in different sectors such as industry, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, faith-based institutions, or academic institutions

Expectations for AIM-AHEAD Coaches:

• Support the Trainee's progress through project milestones
• Encouraging accountability for the timely completion of program milestones
• Facilitate reflection on alignment between:
• Trainee goals
• Selected project
• FHIR program objectives
• Conduct regular coaching meetings (minimum biweekly)
• Help trainees prepare for the Train‑the‑Trainer role by:
• Improving communication for technical and non‑technical audiences
• Supporting presentation readiness
• Encouraging community engagement within the AIM‑AHEAD ecosystem
• Document coaching interactions as a required deliverable

Coaches will not be expected to: 

• Provide technical FHIR instruction
• Design research methods
• Act as a long‑term mentor or sponsor
• Make architectural or implementation decisions

Terms and Conditions for AIM-AHEAD Coaches:

The Terms and Conditions include the benefits and responsibilities that the coaches agree to when they accept the AIM-AHEAD coach role.

• Coaches must have a MA/MS, Ph.D., MD or equivalent qualification (such as PharmD., DNP, or DrPH)
• Coaches must be able to submit a W-9 through PaymentWorks
• Coaches must be associated with a U.S.-based organization (educational institution, private sector, community organization, etc.). Coaches not affiliated with a U.S. organization or institution are not eligible to apply
• Coaches must reside in the United States (including U.S. territories) for the duration of the training program period (January 2026-July 2026)
• Coaches will have no conflict of interest with AIM-AHEAD. A conflict of interest would be individuals who are AIM-AHEAD stakeholders and current individuals who work with the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center for the AIM-AHEAD Training Programs
• AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center members selected as AIM-AHEAD coaches should consult with their institutions about COI and acceptance of payment
• Individuals currently serving as mentors and coaches for the other AIM-AHEAD Programs are not eligible to apply
• Individuals who are currently trainees or research fellows in other AIM-AHEAD programs are not eligible to apply
• Coaches must be in good standing with their organization
• Coaches must adhere to AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center policies, termination, non-compliant agreements, and the terms and conditions outlined here in the Call for Coaches announcement
• AIM-AHEAD MPIs can participate as AIM-AHEAD coaches but will NOT receive the  coaches’ stipend per NIH requirements
• Coaches will receive a $1,000 stipend paid at the end of the program. Payment of the total stipend is based on fulfillment of coach expectations specified in the Call for Coaches and Coach Manual

Related Links:

• AIM-AHEAD FHIR Collaborative Training Program Helpdesk
• AIM-AHEAD FHIR Call for Coaches Flyer
• AIM-AHEAD FHIR Collaborative Training Program Call for Applications (Now Closed)