To help address the growing need for clinicians trained in mitochondrial medicine, the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF), in collaboration with its Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, is proud to introduce the Mitochondrial Medicine Pathway for Advanced Clinical Training (M-PACT) grant. This new residency fellowship-level training opportunity is designed to strengthen the future clinical workforce caring for individuals with primary mitochondrial disease.

The Mitochondrial Medicine Pathway for Advanced Clinical Training (M-PACT) grant is a one-year award that supports US-based clinicians at the fellowship stage who plan to focus their careers on the clinical management of patients with mitochondrial disorders. Through protected clinical time, mentorship, and hands-on experience, this program aims to expand access to specialized mitochondrial care across the United States.

The primary goal of this program is to increase the number of clinicians equipped to diagnose, manage, and advance care for patients living with primary mitochondrial disease. Residents or Fellows will remain at their current institutions and receive mentor-guided training in mitochondrial medicine alongside their existing neurology, genetics, or other accredited training programs.

Training experiences may include participation in mitochondrial-focused clinics, attendance at lectures, seminars, rounds, and conferences, and exposure to mitochondrial disease research and clinical trials when available.

During the award period, residents or fellows will:

• Dedicate at least 10% effort to mitochondrial medicine, including participation in clinic one afternoon per week seeing a minimum of two patients with mitochondrial disease
• Participate in mitochondrial disease–focused clinical trials when available (preferred but optional)
• Submit a mid-year progress report by December 31, 2026, reflecting on their didactic and clinical training experiences
• Attend the UMDF 2027 Mitochondrial Medicine Conference (June 16–19, 2027, Philadelphia, PA), with complimentary registration and four nights of hotel accommodations included as part of the award
• Submit and present a poster and/or oral abstract at the conference based on work completed during the fellowship year

Scholarly topics may include clinical research, case reports, quality improvement initiatives, literature reviews, or other academic work relevant to mitochondrial medicine.

Residents and fellows across medical subspecialties are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants must:

• Hold an MD or equivalent degree (e.g., DO, MBBS)
• Be at the PGY-3 level or higher
• Be actively enrolled in an accredited training program and seeking to supplement their current training
• Train at an institution able to assume administrative and financial responsibility for the grant

Each award provides $23,000 in total support, including:

• $20,000 to the institution to support the residents’ or fellow’s salary and fringe benefits
• $2,000 to the institution for education, travel, and publication-related expenses
• $1,000 paid directly to the resident or fellow upon successful completion of the program and fulfillment of all award requirements
• Complementary registration and 4-nights hotel accommodations at the 2027 UMDF Mitochondrial Medicine Conference

The salary support is intended to protect time for mitochondrial-focused clinical care and educational activities throughout the fellowship year.

The Mitochondrial Medicine Pathway for Advanced Clinical Training (M-PACT) grant will open for applications on February 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET, with submissions due no later than 5:00 PM ET on February 27, 2026. Awards will begin on July 1, 2026, and one or more fellows may be selected.

Applications must be submitted through the UMDF Grant Portal, where detailed instructions are available. All submissions will be reviewed by clinician members of the UMDF Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, with award notifications expected by Friday, March 13, 2026.