Medical Scientist Training Program

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Scientific research is a shared experience between faculty and trainees, where the resilience and well-being of both parties is essential for optimal learning, thriving and success. Training on the responsible conduct of research for students, as well as on professionalism and mandated mentor training for faculty who participate in our NIGMS-funded training grants are cornerstones for productive and successful laboratories, and yet the infrastructure to promote the resilience of students and faculty is lacking. Evidence-informed practices to cultivate well-being and a workplace culture of wellness are imperative in our mission to train emotionally intelligent and visionary leaders in biomedical research. By leveraging the training, curricular resources and insights gained through our current participation in the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education Resilience Training Program (OITE RTP), we propose to create Resilience at Yale — “R@Y”— a data-driven, scalable and sustainable infrastructure for resilience training and wellness activities at the Yale School of Medicine (YSM). Robust curricula obtained through the “Becoming a Resilient Scientist” series created by Dr. Sharon Milgram, Director of the NIH OITE, obviates the need to develop unique content. Instead, we propose to apply administrative supplemental funds toward two major goals: first, we aim to measure the resilience and ascertain the needs of MD-PhD students, PhD students and faculty participating in NIGMS-funded T32 training grants at YSM who are working in a biomedical research environment. While many studies of medical, nursing and even dental student resilience working in an academic or clinical context have been published, the challenges unique to a laboratory setting and graduate education (where training duration such as for MD-PhD students averages 7-8 years) have not been explored. We will develop a survey instrument using the Connor- Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and questions related to demographics, work- and leisure-related activities and wellness resources to investigate the current levels of resilience and well-being of the biomedical research workforce at YSM. Data from this study will inform the second aim to create a strong infrastructure to implement existing OITE RTP curriculum and training activities (webinars, small group discussions, peer ambassador training) and sustain future efforts to promote biomedical researcher resilience and well-being. To do so, supplemental funds will partially support the salaries of mental health professionals originally intended to support medical students. The scope of the YSM Wellness staff responsibilities will be expanded to include graduate students and faculty working in a research laboratory setting. In this pilot year of R@Y, we will focus on providing resilience training to faculty and students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and from socially, culturally, economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. If successful, we will provide data and “proof of concept” that R@Y has far-reaching impact beyond improving student and faculty resilience toward changing the culture of academic research.