Providence 650 Summer Research Program

Providence Va Medical Center, Providence RI

Investigators

Abstract

As diversity among Veterans increases, it is important that the VA workforce reflects the diversity of those we serve. Veterans benefit from diversity in the VA scientific research enterprise because the complex biopsychosocial issues Veterans face need multi-faceted and creative responses. A scientific workforce from diverse backgrounds and life experiences brings novel insights critical for improving healthcare and the lives of Veterans. However, access to educational and research opportunities necessary to obtain advanced degrees remains out of reach for many, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, Veterans, and individuals living with disabilities. To address these challenges, we leveraged the support from the VA Office of Research and Development Summer Research Program Pilot funding to develop a robust Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) training program housed in the Providence VA Center for Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN). Training in the LTSS-COIN is guided by the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) theory, which focuses on providing individualized support for learners through mentorship, interactions to allow learners to observe/practice skills, and activities (or “scaffolding”) to increase competence in the identified learning outcome (e.g., knowledge, skills, awareness, practices, and cultural/social savvy). Guided by the ZPD theory, the SURF program has three primary components: 1) individualized mentoring based on a needs assessment and a co-created individual development plan, 2) formal and informal instruction activities, and 3) completion of a VA summer research project culminating in a poster presentation. The Providence Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a collaborative effort between the Center for Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN) and The Leadership Alliance at Brown University to provide a 9-week program of mentorship, research, formal instruction, and experiential learning. The goal of the SURF program is to increase the interest and readiness of underrepresented students to build careers in the health services, behavioral, clinical, health services, rehabilitative, and biomedical workforce in VA. To achieve this goal, we propose the following objectives: 1) Provide a curriculum of didactic and mentored experiential learning experiences focused on research, stakeholder engagement, leadership skills, and professional development; 2) Educate students on structure, mission, and value of VA and VA research; and 3) Improve confidence in academic abilities and potential to encourage students to pursue an advanced degree in a field related to healthcare research. Since 2022, SURF has been part of the VA Summer Research Program Pilot. We have successfully built our partnership with Brown University, implemented our curriculum, conducted student evaluations, and work to continually improve the program based on feedback. Over the past two summers, we hosted 6 students and have plans to host 6 in Summer 2024. Our students have provided positive feedback on the program and have demonstrated excellent short-term outcomes, including acceptance into prestigious graduate and medical schools. Furthermore, several students have continued to work with their mentors on VA research and manuscripts. With this application, we plan to continue growing the SURF program and creating new learning opportunities for our students.