The Physicians Foundation Announces Two Grant Opportunities to Advance Physician Wellbeing and Strengthen the Healthcare Workforce

New requests for proposals seek innovative solutions to create safer care environments and support physicians transitioning to late-career practice and retirement

BOSTON, November 12, 2026 — The Physicians Foundation has announced two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aimed at addressing critical challenges affecting physician wellbeing, professional fulfillment, and healthcare workforce sustainability. The funding opportunities will support innovative research and scalable interventions focused on fostering safe and respectful care environments for physicians and helping physicians navigate the transition to late-career practice and retirement.

The new RFPs come as findings from The Physicians Foundation’s 2026 Wellbeing Survey of America’s Physicians underscore the growing impact of workplace conditions on physician wellbeing and workforce retention. According to the survey, 42% of physicians have considered retiring earlier than planned and/or leaving clinical practice due to concerns about their wellbeing.

These findings highlight the need for tailored solutions that support physicians throughout their careers while addressing systemic challenges that can affect their ability to deliver high-quality patient care.

“Physician wellbeing is not just an individual concern. It is essential to the strength and sustainability of our healthcare system,” said Dr. Gary Price, president of The Physicians Foundation. “We are seeking bold, evidence-based approaches that go beyond identifying problems to create meaningful, lasting change. By supporting research and scalable interventions, we aim to improve physician wellbeing, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and ensure physicians can thrive at every stage of their careers.”

The Physicians Foundation is seeking proposals in two priority areas: (1) fostering safe and respectful care environments and (2) supporting physicians transitioning into late career status.

Fostering Safe and Respectful Care Environments for Physicians

Physicians increasingly face workplace hostility, harassment, discrimination and other forms of mistreatment that threaten their wellbeing, professional fulfillment and ability to provide high-quality patient care. This RFP seeks innovative, system-level solutions to better understand, prevent and address these challenges.

Priority will be given to scalable interventions that move beyond traditional compliance-based approaches to address the structural and cultural drivers of workplace mistreatment. Projects may explore new prevention strategies, peer-support resources and organizational practices that foster safer, more respectful care environments.

Supporting Physicians Transitioning to Late Career Status and Retirement

As physicians advance in their careers, they face unique challenges related to professional identity, evolving workplace expectations and retirement planning. The Foundation’s 2026 survey found that 29% of older physicians considered reducing or had reduced their clinical hours due to wellbeing concerns, compared with 22% of younger physicians, highlighting the need for tailored support throughout physicians’ careers.

This RFP seeks practical, sustainable approaches that help physicians navigate late-career transitions while maintaining professional fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Projects may explore flexible practice models, mentorship opportunities, peer engagement and retirement planning resources that support physician wellbeing and strengthen workforce continuity.

Funding and Application Details

For each RFP, The Physicians Foundation anticipates awarding a limited number of grants of up to $100,000 per project, supporting initiatives lasting up to two years. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the Foundation’s priorities, potential impact, feasibility, and ability to produce measurable, sustainable, and replicable solutions.

Applications for both RFPs are due February 11, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET. Funding decisions are anticipated by the end of April 2027, with projects expected to begin June 1, 2027. Those interested in applying are encouraged to learn more, here.

Applicants should use the following access codes in the online application system:

Supporting Physicians Transitioning to Late Career Status and Retirement: wellbeing2

Fostering Safe and Respectful Care Environments for Physicians: wellbeing1

About The Physicians Foundation 

The Physicians Foundation is a public charity seeking to advance the work of practicing physicians and help them facilitate the delivery of high-quality health care to patients. As the U.S. health care system continues to evolve, The Physicians Foundation is steadfast in strengthening the physician-patient relationship, supporting medical practices’ sustainability and helping physicians navigate the changing health care system. The Physicians Foundation pursues its mission through research, education and innovative grant making that improves physician wellbeing, strengthens physician leadership, addresses drivers of health and lifts physician perspectives. For more information, visit www.physiciansfoundation.org.

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