Supporting the Transition to Primary Care Practice for New APPs

The transition from training to independent clinical practice is a critical period for advanced practice providers (APPs), particularly those entering primary care settings. To help support this transition, the North Carolina AHEC Program is launching a new fellowship focused on early‑career APPs working in community‑based practices.

This fellowship is designed for recent graduates entering primary care roles in settings that are not system‑owned, including independent practices, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), rural health centers, and local health departments. These settings often face workforce challenges and may have fewer structured supports for onboarding new clinicians. This program aims to help bridge that gap.

The fellowship uses a primarily virtual format, with structured learning sessions held every other week. These sessions include didactics and case‑based discussions intended to reinforce core primary care knowledge and support clinical decision‑making. Participants will also engage in two in‑person learning experiences during the year to reinforce skills and build professional connections.

Curriculum topics include complex care management, core primary care content, and updates to current clinical guidelines. Additional focus areas include professional identity development, peer networking, and hands‑on skill building during in‑person sessions. The program is led by experienced faculty clinicians from multiple disciplines.

The fellowship is open to APPs early in their primary care careers who are working in, or planning to work in, community‑based settings. A letter of support from the participant’s practice is required, reflecting the program’s emphasis on integrating learning into real‑world practice environments.

This initiative reflects a broader effort across the NC AHEC system to strengthen the primary care workforce by supporting clinicians at key transition points. By equipping new APPs with additional resources, mentorship, and structured learning, the program seeks to enhance both clinician confidence and quality of care in community settings.

Practices that employ or are recruiting new APPs may find this fellowship to be a valuable support for onboarding and retention. Sharing this opportunity with eligible clinicians can help strengthen care teams and improve continuity of care for patients.

Learn more and apply:
APP Fellowship application

For questions, contact: APP_Fellowship@NCAHEC.net