Training Future Generations of Mental Health Researchers: Devising Strategies for Tough Times

Reynolds, Charles F. III and Pilkpnis, Paul A. and Kupfer, David J. and Dunn, Leslie and Pincus, Harold A. (2007) Training Future Generations of Mental Health Researchers: Devising Strategies for Tough Times. Academic Psychiatry, 31(2):152-159.

Abstract

Objective: The authors describe a junior faculty scholars program
in a large academic department of psychiatry, designed to
reduce attrition during the high-risk period of transition from
post-doctoral fellowship to receipt of the first extramural research
award.

Method: Scholars receive 25% salary support for two years to
enable their participation in a research survival skills practicum,
mentored collection of pilot data, preparation of manuscripts for
peer-reviewed publication, and submission of K23 and K01 proposals.
Results: Of 22 junior faculty scholars appointed during the period
of 1999–2004, 17 have submitted K award proposals. All
were funded on either the first or second submission

Conclusions: A program for junior faculty scholars can provide
support for successfully navigating the critical and often difficult
transition from post-doctoral fellowship to junior faculty. The
program is expanding its efforts to assist K awardees in moving
successfully along the developmental continuum (e.g., successful
submission of R01, development of mentoring skills