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Mapping the Education Researcher Trajectory: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Identity and Community in the GAMER
Melissa M Tovin1, Chris Sebelski2, Gail M Jensen3
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
Physical Therapy
|July 29, 2026
Summary
The Grant writing and Mentorship in Education Research (GAMER) program successfully develops physical therapist education researchers. Participants reported enhanced professional identity and research advocacy, attributing success to the program's community of practice.
Area of Science:
- Physical Therapy Education Research
- Professional Development Programs
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- Physical therapist education research development historically lags behind clinical research.
- Existing researcher development programs have not adequately addressed the unique needs of physical therapy educators.
- The Grant writing and Mentorship in Education Research (GAMER) program was created to fill this gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and describe the experiences, impacts, and outcomes of the GAMER program on physical therapist education researcher development.
- To understand how the GAMER program fosters professional identity and research capacity.
Main Methods:
- Convergent parallel mixed methods design with a qualitative emphasis.
- Retrospective study of 21 GAMER graduates (2018-2022) and 5 institutional sponsors.
- Analysis of interview data to develop a conceptual framework, integrated with quantitative scholarly achievement data.
Main Results:
- Participants experienced GAMER as a four-phase developmental journey: Contemplation, Preparation, The GAMER Experience, and Continuing the Journey.
- The program fostered professional identity and advocacy for education research beyond traditional metrics.
- The community of practice (CoP) and enacted curriculum were key to participants' reported success.
Conclusions:
- The GAMER program effectively supports physical therapist education researcher development through a structured, immersive experience.
- GAMER promotes identity formation and community engagement, crucial for advancing education research.
- Targeted professional development and supportive communities are vital for emerging researchers in physical therapy education.
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