VA Palo Alto Health Services & Life Sciences Summer Research Program: Enhancing the VA Research Pipeline

Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys, Palo Alto CA

Investigators

Abstract

Background. Increased diversity allows for greater innovation in health systems and life sciences research. The VA Palo Alto Health Systems & Life Sciences Summer Research Program was designed to enhance the VA research pipeline by offering a diverse cohort of undergraduate students, including those from underrepresented groups like Veterans and individuals with disabilities, training in research. Unlike existing Veterans Health Administration (VHA) internships, this program focuses on students with limited experience, early in their academic journey (e.g., community college students) with the aim of encouraging trainees to pursue a research career with VHA by introducing them to research fields that they may not have considered before. Program Content and Innovation. In recognition of the breadth and scope of VHA research, we identified two categories of research relevant to VHA—(1) Health Systems (HS) and (2) Life Sciences (LS). The HS track focuses on research that improves Veteran health by developing, testing, and implementing interventions that improve the organization, delivery, and effectiveness of health care and related services for Veterans. The LS track focuses on basic and translational research intended to produce more fundamental knowledge and therapeutic strategies to treat diseases relevant to Veterans. The internship program will provide mentorship in research, support academic and career advancement, prepare students for graduate school, and facilitate peer networking. Taking advantage of the unique resources in the local Silicon Valley region, known for innovation and entrepreneurship, the program also integrates concepts of innovation into the hands-on research projects and didactic learning program. The majority of interns' time (70%) will be spent working on a research project with their primary mentor, guided by an individualized development plan (IDP), which will culminate in a research presentation at the end of the internship. These hands-on experiences will be supplemented with didactics focused on the basics of research, track specific fundamental knowledge, and information to foster career development. Furthermore, through organized and unofficial activities, interns will network with numerous VHA professionals during the internship program who can serve as role models and provide perspectives on careers in the VHA. Evaluation & Impact. Based on evaluations from mentors and interns, the primary benchmarks for success will be based on: >25% improvement in interns showing increased interest in pursuing employment with the VA; and 80% of the students completing at least 60% of the IDP elements. The outcomes will be reviewed by an Advisory Board, consisting of internal and external experts in the field of research and education outreach. Their feedback will be used to adjust future iterations of the internship. Improving the diversity of the VHA workforce is vital to ensuring that research will continue to foster scientific innovation, a robust learning environment, and enhance public trust. This internship program will expose a diverse group of students to career opportunities available in research thereby supporting a growing pipeline of diverse leaders in VHA and improving Veterans health and well-being.