A Novel Training Intervention to Improve Provider Management of Sleep Apnea in Rural Communities

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Robert Stansbury, M.D., is a fourth generation West Virginian and pulmonologist whose overarching career goal is to improve healthcare disparities for chronic respiratory illness in rural communities. This K23 mentored career development award, entitled “A Novel OSA Training Intervention to Improve Provider Management of Sleep Apnea in Rural Communities”, builds upon my previous training to ensure a successful transition into being an independent investigator. My research career goals include: 1) obtain training in mixed-methods research to investigate facilitators and barriers to care for respiratory disease in rural areas, 2) receive training in implementation science using community engaged research and ultimately conduct clinical trials to improve respiratory disease outcomes, and 3) enhance management skills for developing and leading an independent research program. I am a non-traditional candidate and have made significant contributions as a faculty member at West Virginia University (WVU). My recent administrative work as interim Chief for the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at WVU has led to a pivot from research in respiratory physiology to healthcare disparities. I have completed recent studies in this area; however, this research has been completed with extensive mentorship and support. This career development award is an ideal mechanism for me to successfully transition to lead my own independent research program in respiratory health disparities. With my primary mentor, Dr. Pat Strollo, I have assembled a strong team of co-mentors and consultants who will guide me through the proposed career development and research training plans. Clinical, didactic, and research collaboration with these mentors and consultants forms the foundation of these career development activities and will facilitate a multidisciplinary team approach. This team has expertise in obstructive sleep apnea, education, academic career development, clinical and translational science and rural health/healthcare disparities. The career development training plan utilizes intellectual resources and the research infrastructure available at WVU, West Virginia Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (WVCTSI), and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) where I have an adjunct faculty appointment. I will attend national conferences and pursue further training outside of WVU when optimal training is not available locally. The WVU is an ideal location to study health care disparities in rural communities due to the long-standing challenges of this rural state. The university has a world-class research infrastructure, an extensive network of hospitals and clinics, and a large tertiary care university hospital which serves a predominant rural population. This K23 award will enable my successful transition to being an independent physician-investigator with a research program addressing the healthcare disparities of respiratory illnesses found in rural communities.