Fred Pritzker was dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for his son Jacob (affected with Angelman syndrome). The Jacob Pritzker Fellowship Program was created to continue to promote excellence in medical care for individuals with Angelman syndrome. This fellowship program addresses the ever-increasing need for more healthcare providers who are well versed in best practices for treating individuals with Angelman syndrome.

Purpose

The Jacob Pritzker Fellowship Program is intended to support a junior investigator or clinical training program for an early career physician interested in specializing in the care of patients with Angelman syndrome or Angelman-related research. Non-physician (SLP, PA, NP, GC) junior investigator applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a health-professional doctoral degree, including but not limited to MD, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, DC, PharmD, ND, or a doctoral degree in nursing research or practice that allows for clinical practice. Junior investigator applicants with a PhD may also be eligible for this award.

Expectations

• There must be a named mentor with authority and accountability for the fellowship including compliance with all program requirements.
• Fellows are expected to be engaged full-time in Angelman-related activities during the fellowship year. The fellow must contribute to a specific area of Angelman syndrome research or clinical care.
  • The fellow will be required to present a proposal to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation Medical Advisory Board describing the details and scope of their fellowship project. Projects may be either clinic or research-oriented. The proposal must include measurable and specific outcomes for the fellow’s work during the fellowship.
  • Ideally, the fellow’s project proposal will address an unmet medical care need or gap in  scientific knowledge in Angelman syndrome. The Angelman Syndrome Foundation welcomes exploration of creation of new multidisciplinary clinics or Centers of Excellence.
• Site-specific details (clinic activities, etc) will be determined by the sponsoring site with the collaboration of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. 
• The applicant will be involved in the LADDER Learning Network’s activities including leading 1-2 provider education series calls during the fellowship year. 
• The fellow will be expected to:
  • Complete a 6-month check-in with the Angelman Syndrome Foundation Medical Advisory Board. 
  • Provide an end of fellowship work report for the Angelman Syndrome Medical Advisory Board detailing outcomes of the fellowship and next steps to continue their efforts.
  • Present their work at the ASF Research Symposium within one year of completion of the fellowship.

Awards

At least one Angelman Syndrome Foundation Fellowship Award will be funded annually.  The Angelman Syndrome Foundation will provide up to $100,000 in funding.

Questions

Questions about the Jacob Pritzker Fellowship can be directed to:

Katie Garbarini, MS, CGC
Director of the LADDER Learning Network
kgarbarini@ladderlearningnetwork.org