Pathways for Physician Scientist Training in Psychiatric Research

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Abstract Physician-scientists serve a critical role in helping bridge the gap between basic and translational research and as noted in PAR-20-094 “bring a unique perspective to research through [a] blend of clinical and research experiences.” Thus training Psychiatrists for future careers as physician-scientists is significant and aligns well with NIMH priorities to “strive for prevention and cures” and “increase the public health impact of research.” This proposal seeks to recruit 2 promising physician scientists per year, with careful attention to diversity, into the Pathways-RRT, a longitudinal research program within the University of Colorado Psychiatry residency. The Pathways-RRT allows residents to complete all ACGME requirements for on time graduation and to sit for board certification, while also creating individualized pathways for research skills development and productivity during residency. The program provides between 14 and 18 months of research-dedicated time across residency (amount of time depends on whether applicants enter Child Fellowship training where they will continue their research training). Residents will be recruited based on their qualifications, demonstrated passion for research, and in part, upon their areas of interest being in sync with our current and growing pool of outstanding primary research faculty mentors. Program participants receive structured didactics focusing on research design, biostatistics, rigor and reproducibility, the ethical conduct of research, and grant writing. A Pathways-RRT seminar offers opportunities for work-in-progress sessions and presentation of research results (poster, oral) with faculty and peer feedback. PGY3/CRY1 Pathways-RRT residents have small grants available to support data collection focusing on answering important questions and to serve as pilot data for future grant applications. The program offers close mentorship and utilizes individualized research plans, collaborative mentoring teams, annual progress reports, surveys of residents and program faculty to evaluate program strengths and weaknesses to foster continuous program improvement. Participants benefit from complementary institutional commitment including the Psychiatry Research Innovations services (a $360,000 per year commitment to provide participants research support including grants administration, research operations, educational workshops, pilot grant opportunities, clinical research support, and biostatistics). The program seeks to prepare residents to compete for post-doctoral research fellowships and grant funding (e.g., NRSA, R21, K) and to prepare them to assume faculty positions at strong academic institutions pursuing research-oriented careers. Thus, the program seeks to address the dearth of physician-scientists in Psychiatry and to produce actionable resident-derived research products that enhance knowledge regarding the causes of mental illness and improve clinical outcomes for patients.