Frequently Asked Questions

Open to both clinical and non-clinical professionals, individuals applying for this professional designation have expertise caring for those people and communities that have faced barriers to accessing healthcare and related services and a high-level of engagement with ACU and its broader community.

The goal of the program is to recognize and distinguish those that have shown a devotion and exceptional dedication to providing impactful care to the underserved.

ACU’s Board of Directors initiated the development of the program. With the support of ACU staff members, a Task Force composed of ACU members from a wide range of different roles informed the development of the program to ensure its relevance and applicability. 

• New Fellows will be announced annually in a special edition of ACU’s Clinician & Community newsletter.
• ACU will hold a formal Induction Ceremony at the ACU Annual Conference.
• Designees will be listed in an ACU Roster of Fellows.
• Fellows may use the acronym “FACU” as a credential suffix (similar to other professional designations).
• Fellows may denote their recognition status on professional communications and materials.
• Fellows receive first consideration in applications to serve on committees, task forces, and other ACU program work where their expertise is applicable.
• Fellows will be considered first for participation in ACU webinars or live events when their subject matter expertise is appropriate to the goals of the project.

You are eligible for this honor if you have been an ACU individual member for at least one year prior to the application deadline or employed by an organization that has maintained an organizational membership for at least 2 years prior to the application deadline. 

Note: Upon receiving the designation of Fellow of ACU, all fellows must become individual members if they received membership through their organization.

Every two years, Fellows will have to submit an attestation of continued work in all three core categories: commitment, expertise, and engagement with ACU.  During those two years, Fellows of ACU must maintain their ACU individual membership or must continue to work at an organization that has maintained its organizational membership. 

The attestation form link will be made available in 2026 on the Fellowship webpage.

As this professional designation is open to a wide range of different roles and career paths at differing pay grades, fees will be on a sliding scale and on the honor system.  The initial application fees are:

• $300: Annual income is over $200,000
• $200: Annual income is over $100,000 but less than $200,000
• $100: Annual income is over $50,000 but less than $100,000
• $50: Annual income is $50,000 or below

Renewal fees are also income-based and on the honor system. The renewal fees will be:

• $100: Annual income is over $200,000
• $75: Annual income is over $100,000 but less than $200,000
• $50: Annual income is over $50,000 but less than $100,000
• $25: Annual income is $50,000 or below 

Please note: ACU is utilizing a sliding fee scale to ensure a fair fee structure.  We will not track your income level or use this information in any way. 

Applicants should gather the following information prior to application:

1. Statement of interest for becoming a Fellow of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved
2. A brief bio-sketch and headshot
3. A recent copy of your resume or CV
4. A list of all training and/or education that shows significant, vested interest in expanding one’s knowledge in concepts, principles, and practices relevant to caring for the underserved.
5. A list of all ACU webinars, trainings, events, or other educational offerings attended from the last year. 

Yes, we advise all applicants to download a copy of the application and review it in full prior to submitting their answers.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with May 15, 2026 as the final submission date for the 2026 cohort. ACU will begin application review as applications are received.

If you have any questions about the application, please contact ACU Program Manager Sarah Gutema at sgutema@clinicians.org at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. That way, we have ample time to respond.

The in-person induction ceremony will be held each year at ACU’s Annual Conference in Washington, DC. The 2025 conference is scheduled to take place onJuly 26-29th in Washington, DC.  Additional information is available on ACU’s website.

All application fees are non-refundable.  However, if you are not selected, ACU will provide feedback on how to improve your application and carry over your application fees to the following application period. If you are unsure whether your experience(s) will count, we encourage you to submit any questions at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. Please contact ACU Program Manager Sarah Gutema at sgutema@clinicians.org if you have any questions.

Become a member of ACU and keep an eye out for opportunities to engage in work related to improving care for the underserved.

To open more doors to leadership for professionals across the career continuum, ACU is creating multiple entry points to achieve fellowship recognition:

• ACU-Engaged Leaders: Current ACU members who meet the fellowship criteria of commitment, expertise, and engagement with ACU.

• ACU-Aligned Leaders: Experienced CHC professionals who meet the commitment and expertise criteria of the fellowship but may not yet be engaged with ACU.

• Early-Career Professionals: Rising talent with strong potential and emerging leadership who are actively building their expertise while engaging with ACU.

All prospective fellows, regardless of which entry point best fits their experience, are encouraged to complete the Fellowship Interest Form to begin the process and receive guidance on the next steps.