Career Development Institute with Enhanced Mentoring: A Revisit

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health Research
• Clinical and Translational Science
• Academic Career Development

Background:

• A critical need exists for innovative training to foster clinical and translational investigators in mental health research.
• The Career Development Institute for Psychiatry aims to build a robust pipeline of researchers focused on mental health.
• Existing programs require enhancement to effectively support career advancement and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide essential skills and support for psychiatrists and PhD researchers to establish and sustain careers in academic psychiatry.
• To equip participants with skills in grant writing, negotiation, time management, networking, and responsible conduct of research.
• To implement a longitudinal, long-distance, virtual mentoring and training program to sustain career development.

Main Methods:

• A 24-month phased program including online self-assessment, an in-person workshop, and virtual mentoring.
• Long-distance, bimonthly mentoring via a secure web-based platform and bi-monthly expert-led webinars.
• Peer-mentoring activities and post-program career progress evaluation facilitated by a comprehensive website.

Main Results:

• Preliminary 24-month results are favorable, with participants finding the program highly beneficial.
• Consistent bimonthly contact with long-distance mentors was maintained throughout the program.
• The majority of participants secured full-time faculty appointments with K-award support, with minimal focus on clinical work.

Conclusions:

• The longitudinal program effectively supports individuals transitioning into academic research.
• The integrated approach of education, training, mentoring, and peer support enhances commitment to mental health research careers.
• This model is expected to increase the number of scientists dedicated to mental health research.