CFPS-SNF Leadership Programme @ Mount Sinai Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. What is the CFPS-SNF Leadership Programme?

The CFPS-Starry Night Foundation Leadership Programme is a two-week observership at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. It is designed to expose selected Family Physicians from Singapore to leadership practices, healthcare systems, and innovations in Clinical Medicine at one of the leading academic hospitals in the United States.

 

2. Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a registered Family Physician in Singapore
  • Have at least 5 years of clinical experience in primary care
  • Be actively involved in CFPS teaching or training activities (e.g. tutor, trainer, examiner)
  • Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to the future of Family Medicine
  • Be proficient in English (written and spoken)
  • Be able to commit to the full 2-week programme in New York

 

3. What are the objectives of the programme?

The programme aims to:

  1. Develop leadership skills in Family Physicians
  2. Provide exposure to innovative healthcare models in the U.S
  3. Strengthen clinical and management competencies
  4. Facilitate interaction with leaders at Mount Sinai Health System
  5. Build a network of Family Medicine leaders
  6. Enhance the standards of Family Medicine

 

4. What does the observership include?

Participants will:

  • Observe clinical practice in various clinics, wards, and departments
  • Attend meetings, ward rounds, and clinic sessions
  • Engage in structured learning discussions and briefings
  • Meet with senior leadership from Mount Sinai Health System and Mount Sinai International

 

5. What are the details of the venue and timings of the attachment?

Venue –

  • The Mount Sinai Hospital
  • 1468 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, United States

Clinical Attachments may be held in various locations around NYC.

Timings –

  • Observerships from Mondays – Fridays
  • Timings (subject to changes) 0830 – 1730
  • Lunch or afternoon meet ups will take place at Mount Sinai Hospital daily

 

6. How many participants will be selected?

Each cohort will consist of 5 selected participants.

 

7. When will the next batch go to Mount Sinai Hospital?

The next batch at NYC is planned from 9 - 20 MARCH 2026.

 

8. What is covered under the programme funding?

Each selected participant will receive USD 4,000.00 to help cover:

  • Return airfare to New York
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Meal allowance

Note:

  • Participants are required to purchase their own travel insurance to cover personal accidents, medical emergencies, and trip disruptions
  • Visa applications and fees for travel to enter the United States must be made in advance and borne by the participant

 

9. Why does the programme only provide US$4,000 (approx. SGD 5,260) in funding? Why not cover the full cost?

  • The CFPS-SNF Leadership Programme is structured as a co-pay model. The 2-week Observership is fully-sponsored, and there will be no course fees required from the participants.

  • The funding support of US$4,000 is intended to significantly subsidise key expenses—such as airfare, accommodation, and meals—while encouraging participants to invest personally in their professional development.

  • We believe that shared ownership enhances commitment and ensures the programme remains sustainable and accessible to more participants in future cohorts. This co-funding approach also reflects the leadership spirit we hope to cultivate: one of initiative, responsibility, and long-term commitment to the growth of Family Medicine.

 

10. What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Applicants must submit:

  • A detailed CV
  • A Statement of Purpose (750–1000 words)
  • Two letters of recommendation sent directly to mtsinai@cfps.org.sg

 

11. How are participants selected?

Applications are reviewed by a selection panel based on:

  • Alignment with programme objectives
  • Leadership potential
  • Involvement in Family Medicine education
  • Strength of references and statement of purpose

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

 

12. Do I need to take leave from work?

Yes. Participants are responsible for arranging their own leave with their employers for the full two-week duration of the observership.

 

13. Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, all participants who complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Participation from the College of Family Physicians Singapore.

 

14. What are the deliverables for participants who sign up for this programme?

Pre-Departure Requirements

  • Attend a Pre-Departure Briefing Session
  • Participants must attend a orientation session organized by CFPS and MIS to understand programme objectives, expectations, and logistics
  • Regular pre-course zoom meetings will be arranged to discuss how MSI can tailor the observership to areas of interest that is shared by the participants

During the Observership

  • Active Participation
  • Full attendance and active engagement in all scheduled clinical and leadership activities at Mount Sinai Hospital
  • Participants are expected to be professional ambassadors of CFPS and Singapore’s Family Medicine community

Post-Return Deliverables

  • Post-Programme Reflection Report (within 4 weeks of return)
  • A 2–3 page written report summarizing:
    • Key observations and learnings
    • Reflections on leadership practices observed
    • Practical ideas or insights applicable to Singapore’s primary care system
    • Suggestions for improvement of the programme
  • Presentation at a Sharing Session
  • Deliver a short (10–15 minute) presentation during a CFPS-hosted debrief or forum to share their experiences with fellow members and leaders
  • Contribute to College Mirror – the CFPS Newsletter
  • Participants may be invited to write a short article or feature piece for CFPS communications or publications to disseminate insights more broadly
  • Alumni Engagement
  • Participation in Future Programme Development
  • Alumni may be invited to help mentor future participants, contribute to programme refinement, or sit on future selection panels

 

15. How can I apply or get more information?

Please refer to the College Mirror article written by the 1st batch of participants who attended the Observership in Nov 2024 - https://www.cfps.org.sg/publications/the-college-mirror/download/131

Details will be available on the CFPS website and sent via email when the application window opens. For queries, please contact mtsinai@cfps.org.sg.