By Gary Wolfe, RN, CCM, FCM
The application process for the Case Management Fellow Program is now open for the Class of 2026. Regardless of where you are in your case management career – just beginning or a seasoned, mature case manager – give some thought to the Fellow Program. If you are new to case management, you may want to set a professional goal of becoming a Fellow or find a mentor who is a Case Management Fellow. Think about it! If you are a seasoned, mature case manager, have you made a significant contribution and impact on the professional practice of case management? I am not talking about just doing a good job and being a really great case manager; I mean, has your contribution really had an impact on case management?
Fellows are the visionary, thought leaders in case management. They are designing and innovating. These contributions may be in case management practice, leadership, and/or research. Fellows may be designing new models of case management or refining existing ones. Some Fellows are in leadership positions in their place of employment or CMSA. Under their leadership, something unique or extraordinary occurred that impacted case management practice. Fellows are writers and have told their stories and spoken about their contributions. Fellows are contributing to the body of knowledge on case management. Fellows are mentors; they have provided guidance to other case managers who become leaders. Fellows are addressing today's problems but are visionary in anticipating future case management practice demands. The contributions of Fellows are diverse. Look at the thirty-one Fellows, and you see the diversity of contributions.
The Fellow application process is rigorous. It takes time and thought; you need a plan. Whether you apply for the Class of 2026 or sometime in the future, the process is a great way to check in on your case management career. Are you making a difference? Are you meeting your career goals? What do you want to do? Reflect and think about it!
The CMSA Fellow Program is an important part of the professional practice of case management. A Fellow has been reviewed and selected by peers to acknowledge their contributions. Fellows make what you and I do every day better.
It is an honor to be named a Fellow, but also a challenge, as Fellows are expected to continue their visionary contribution to case management. Are you ready to become a Fellow? Think about it! Applications for the Fellow Class of 2026 are due by January 15, 2026.
Be recognized as one of the foremost leaders in case management. The CMSA Case Management Fellow Program (FCM™) honors professionals who go above and beyond—advancing the Standards of Practice, inspiring peers, and transforming health outcomes for patients and families.
Apply for the Class of 2026 now through January 15th: https://bit.ly/4nKWGXf
Bio: Gary Wolfe, Rn, CCM, is Chair of the CMSA Fellow Selection Committee, a past National President, and Editor-in-Chief of CareManagement.