APA Research in Academic Pediatrics Initiative on Diversity (RAPID)

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Minorities comprise 50% of US children, but only 24% of US pediatricians, and underrepresented minorities (URMs) make up only 11% of pediatricians and 10% of medical-school faculty. Despite this substantial mismatch, little has been published on research educational programs (REPs) efficacious in recruiting and retaining diverse individuals pursuing biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social-science careers. The Academic Pediatric Association (APA) Research in Academic Pediatrics Initiative on Diversity (RAPID) is the first such REP targeting faculty diversity in general academic pediatrics, and funding is requested for another 5 years. The RAPID aim is to implement and evaluate an REP with the goal of successful recruitment, retention, and professional advancement of diverse junior faculty in general academic pediatrics pursuing careers in NIDDK mission areas. RAPID has several innovative components: 1) small research grants in NIDDK mission areas; 2) pairing RAPID scholars with national mentors who are accomplished senior investigators and seasoned mentors; 3) in-person mentoring and networking at an annual meeting at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting; 4) an annual career-development and leadership conference; and 5) monthly Scholar telephone conference calls, to provide intensive mentoring, peer support, peer mentoring, networking, a venue for presenting research in progress, and opportunities for potential research collaborations. APA has extensive available educational resources, experience, staff, and facilities, all of which will continue to ensure the success of RAPID. The first 10 years of RAPID were highly successful, with the program achieving or exceeding all original aims, including: 1) APA membership diversity significantly increasing; 2) multiple Scholars obtaining K awards and R01s; 3) Scholars generating multiple publications and presentations at national conferences; 4) continuing a highly rated annual conference of URM investigators from across the US spanning the spectrum from residents to mid-level faculty; and 5) convening an annual networking meeting of Scholars, National Advisory Committee members, and RAPID and APA leadership. RAPID's success as a model REP also impacted the entire field of pediatrics by prompting new partnerships with the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, American Board of Pediatrics, and American Pediatric Society, all of which have welcomed or will welcome new RAPID Scholars funded by their organizations. If, as anticipated, the hypotheses continue to be confirmed, RAPID will continue to result in: 1) successful recruitment, retention, and professional advancement of diverse junior faculty researchers; 2) increased likelihood that RAPID Scholars will present their project findings at a national professional meeting, publish their project findings, obtain additional research funding, obtain a career-development award, maintain their APA membership, and highly rate their commitment to a research career in pediatric academic generalism; and 3) a model societal program for enhancing the diversity of young investigators and their leadership skills.