For the organization:

• To provide logistical and administrative support for the fellow; to be accredited by appropriate recognized accrediting bodies; to offer organizational and financial stability
• To provide a committed, knowledgeable, skillful, and professionally mature preceptor (The preceptor is encouraged to go beyond this role and become a mentor to the new careerist.)
• To develop a management staff that respects the objectives of the fellowship and welcomes opportunities for coaching (The CEO must educate the organization concerning the fellowship and the preceptor.)
• To ensure the support of an organized medical staff and board of trustees, if applicable, that understand the objectives of the fellowship and assist in the educational process
• To publish a brochure or other document on the fellowship, including application deadline dates, qualifications for applicants, and structure/description of the fellowship content
• To match the fellow with the organization through a well-established process, competitive or otherwise, to maximize the benefits of the experience
• To develop fellowship content based on the career objectives of the fellow and those of the organization (This content should allow the fellow to build on earlier academic/didactic experiences by performing specific organizational tasks and projects.)
• To develop a “fellowship plan” (Formulation of the plan, thoroughly developed by the preceptor and the fellow early in the fellowship program, is crucial.)
• To provide an experience lasting at least 12 months that may be extended, based on organizational and individual objectives
• To provide sufficient content and methods of learning to achieve mutually agreed-on objectives; the content should be clearly presented and relate to the required base of knowledge and skills
• To provide a system for a comprehensive evaluation of the fellow and fellowship site/experiences
• To structure the fellowship as a position of expected contribution that also enhances educational objectives
• To develop marketable skills and experiences for the fellow that are recognized, valued, and respected by potential employers
• To provide career counseling and job placement assistance

For the fellow:

• To exhibit commitment to the healthcare field with strong interest in that dimension of the field characterized by the organization
• To have completed graduate studies in a healthcare management program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education or related discipline and have relevant experience (This is a characteristic of the preferred applicant.)
• To participate as a partner in the development of a fellowship plan with the preceptor, at the start of the fellowship program
• To possess the necessary maturity, drive, and initiative to quickly adapt to the organizational environment and use organizational resources to accomplish fellowship objectives
• To make a commitment to complete the fellowship (Such a commitment includes the willingness to devote oneself, in the short and long term, to the institution and the experience.)