Fellowship Status

Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to outline: 1) the procedures for members to apply for Fellow status; 2) the review process for applications; and 3) the privileges of Fellow status.

Policy:
The AED Fellows Committee will manage all aspects of the Fellowship program including the call for Fellows, the review of all Fellowship applications, and the induction of new Fellows at the Annual Meeting.

Procedures:
Overview
Fellow status requires evidence of active involvement in the Academy and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of eating disorders. A high level of competence or steady and continuing contributions is one criterion for fellowship. A second criterion is that a person’s work has had a significant impact on the field of eating disorders on a local, regional, national or international level. Fellow status has been created to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a continuing commitment to the prevention or treatment of eating disorders through service, teaching and/or research, thereby fulfilling the mission of the Academy for Eating Disorders.

Application Procedures
Eligibility for Fellow status is open to all those who have been full members of the Academy for Eating Disorders for at least five years.

Applicants should be able to document significant contributions to the mission of Academy as evidenced by the assumption of leadership roles, participation in committees, or presentation of work and attendance at Academy meetings and significant contributions in at least five of the following nine areas:

1. Positions in other professional organizations.
2. Clinical contributions demonstrating excellence in the care of patients.
3. Teaching contributions in an academic or clinical setting.
4. Research accomplishments that have expanded knowledge in the field.
5. Scientific and scholarly publications and service on the editorial boards of journals.
6. Significant participation in conferences.
7. Active involvement in advocacy organizations.
8. Uncompensated community service in the treatment or awareness of eating disorders.
9. Development or administration of programs for eating disorders.

Applicants need to send the following items to the AED Organization Headquarters (aed@aedweb.org):

1. A letter, clearly stating how the applicant meets the above criteria
2. A current curriculum vitae that is signed and dated by the applicant
3. Two letters of recommendation from Fellows of the Academy who are able to comment on the applicant's suitability for Fellow status

The Fellowship Committee will review this information and may request supplementary documents prior to acceptance including:

1. 1. Completed application form (provided by Organization Headquarters)
2. 2. Copy of professional school diploma
3. 3. Copy of current license or other certification (as appropriate to one’s discipline and location)
4. 4. Copies of publications or additional supporting data

The Composition and Roles of the members of the Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee of the Membership Council will evaluate completed applications. This committee shall be appointed by the president of the Academy and consist of 3-5 Fellows of the Academy. Each member shall serve for three years, with at least one member concluding his/her term and one new member coming onto the committee each year.

Action on Applications
Approval of Fellow Status for each candidate requires a two-thirds majority of the committee. Approximately 15 applicants will be approved for Fellowship Status per year. Completed applications that are submitted by January 15 th will be notified of the Committee’s decision by March 15 th. Successful applicants will be inducted at the annual conference that spring.

If an applicant is not accepted for Fellow status, he/she may reapply a second time. If a member is not accepted after two applications, he/she may reapply after a 5 year period and also has the right to request review by the Board of the Academy. However, it is in the intent of the Academy to encourage Fellow Status, and every effort will be made to advise rejected candidates on the reasons they were declined and on ways to strengthen their application if they wish to reapply.

Privileges of Fellow Status
New Fellows will be installed at an induction ceremony at the annual conference of the Academy each spring. There will be a one-time induction fee of $200 US. Fellows will receive a suitable certificate. Upon induction, Fellows will be able to use the initials FAED. Their election will be announced in the Academy newsletter. Fellow status will be designated on the Academy web site and in its membership directory. Only fellows may serve on the Academy Fellowship Committee.

Updated March 2005