1. Programme Aims and Vision
What is the aim of the CGF?
The fellowship aims to identify, nurture, and connect emerging palliative care leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. The programme is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, foster regional collaboration, and build a network of clinicians who can influence and advance palliative care development within their respective countries and healthcare systems.
What will fellows be equipped to advocate for?
Through the fellowship, participants will strengthen their ability to advocate for:
- Integration of palliative care within national healthcare systems
- Development and implementation of national palliative care strategies
- National standards and quality frameworks for palliative care services
- Policies and clinical guidelines that support equitable palliative care delivery
- Recognition of palliative care as a medical specialty or subspecialty
Is this a clinical training programme or a leadership programme?
The CGF is a leadership and systems development fellowship rather than a clinical training programme. It is intended for practising doctors who already have experience in palliative care and are seeking to expand their capacity as leaders, advocates, educators, and changemakers within their institutions, countries, and the wider region.
The programme focuses on leadership development, policy engagement, systems thinking, regional collaboration, and strategic advocacy to strengthen palliative care at both national and regional levels.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship is open to qualified medical doctors holding an MBBS, MD, or equivalent qualification who are actively involved in hospice or palliative care, or a closely related field.
Are applicants from outside the Asia-Pacific region eligible?
Yes. While the programme primarily focuses on the Asia-Pacific region, a separate application track is available for European applicants.
Do I need to be a palliative care specialist to apply?
Applicants should already be meaningfully engaged in palliative care through clinical practice, leadership, advocacy, research, or education activities.
Do I need to be an APHN member to apply?
APHN membership is not required at the time of application. However, successful fellows are expected to become APHN members upon acceptance into the programme.
3. Programme Structure and Fellowship Experience
What does the fellowship programme consist of?
The CGF is a three-year hybrid programme that combines:
- Monthly virtual sessions focused on discussion, peer learning, and project exchange
- Two to three in-person meetings annually at regional hubs or conferences
- Ongoing mentorship from regional and international experts
- Individualised leadership and professional development planning
Is the fellowship fully online, hybrid, or fully in-person?
The CGF follows a hybrid structure designed to accommodate practising clinicians by balancing virtual engagement with selected in-person experiences.
How much time will I need to commit?
Fellows participate in monthly virtual sessions and should expect 1-2 in-person meetings annually over the three-year programme duration.
How many leave days will I likely need from my institution?
Participants should anticipate approximately 6–12 working days of leave annually to support travel and attendance at in-person meetings.
Where are in-person sessions held?
Meetings are typically held at regional APHN hubs or alongside relevant regional conferences. Locations are communicated well in advance.
Are there mandatory in-person events?
Certain workshops, meetings, or site visits may require physical attendance. The programme aims to minimise disruption to clinical responsibilities wherever possible.
4. Mentorship and Individual Development
Can I customise my fellowship experience?
Each fellow develops an individualised development plan aligned with their goals, leadership aspirations, and local palliative care context.
Will I have a mentor?
Fellows receive ongoing mentorship from regional and international palliative care leaders throughout the fellowship.
Will I collaborate with other fellows?
The CGF strongly emphasises peer learning, regional collaboration, and long-term professional networking among fellows.
5. Selection Process
How are candidates selected?
Selection is competitive and based on:
- Application form responses
- Curriculum Vitae with recent photograph
- One-page personal statement
- Letter of organisational support
- Statement of commitment
What do assessors look for in a strong application?
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to advancing palliative care
- Systems-level and advocacy thinking
- Clarity of vision and intended impact
- Strong organisational support
- Authenticity and clarity in the personal statement
Is there an interview stage?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews conducted by a panel of regional and international palliative care experts and leaders.
What carries the most weight during selection?
Particular weight is placed on:
- The personal statement
- Leadership vision and potential
- Interview performance
- Commitment to advancing palliative care within the applicant’s context
How will applicants receive updates?
All applicants will be notified of outcomes by email. Applicants are encouraged to monitor both their inbox and spam/junk folders for communications from APHN.
6. Assessment and Recognition
How is progress assessed during the fellowship?
Assessment is developmental rather than examination-based and includes:
- Participation in monthly sessions
- Progress against individual development goals
- Mentor feedback
- Engagement in fellowship activities and regional collaboration
Is there a formal qualification awarded upon completion?
Successful participants are recognised as Cynthia Goh Fellows, a designation recognised within the regional palliative care community.
7. Application Process
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the designated regional online application portal available on the APHN website.
Once applications are open, applicants may access the live submission portal and complete the online application process directly through the website. Please refer to Section 8: Important Dates for application timelines and submission deadlines.
What documents do I need to prepare?
Applicants must submit:
- Completed Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae with recent photo
- One-page personal statement
- Letter of organisational support
- Statement of commitment
Templates and guidance documents are available on the APHN website.
Does my employer need to be involved?
A formal letter of organisational support is required because participation involves protected time for virtual sessions, travel, and in-person meetings.
Can I contact the programme team regarding application-related questions or special circumstances?
Applicants may contact the APHN Secretariat regarding eligibility, application requirements, or exceptional circumstances related to their application.
Due to the competitive nature of the fellowship, late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to regularly review the APHN website and programme announcements to remain informed about all important dates, submission deadlines, and application requirements.
8. Important Dates
Please note that the following timelines are indicative and subject to confirmation. Applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor the APHN website and official communication channels for the latest updates and announcements.
| Timeline | Activity |
| June–July 2026 | Applications open |
| 31 July 2026 | Application deadline (no late submissions accepted) |
| August 2026 | Interview invitations sent |
| August–September 2026 | Candidate interviews conducted |
| November 2026 | Fellowship results announced |
| January 2027 | Fellowship programme begins |
9. Partnerships and Community
Can institutions partner with the CGF?
Yes. APHN welcomes collaboration with hospitals, universities, NGOs, foundations, and industry partners to support mentorship, dialogue, advocacy, and fellowship development activities.
How can I learn more about current and past fellows?
The APHN website regularly features stories, reflections, and updates from current and former fellows across the Asia-Pacific region.
