Research in Academic Pediatrics Investigator Development (RAPID)

Academic Pediatric Association, Mc Lean VA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

It is critical that Americans who have overcome significant adversity and life challenges are able to pursue careers in academic pediatric research, given that many US children have faced similar adversity. Such adversity includes growing up in rural or medically underserved areas, overcoming socioeconomic hardships, and/or bringing other unique life experiences that have shaped individuals’ resilience and commitment to a career in academic pediatric research. Nevertheless, little has been published on research educational programs (REPs) efficacious in recruiting and retaining such individuals. The Academic Pediatric Association (APA) Research in Academic Pediatrics Investigator Development (RAPID) Program is the first such REP targeting early investigators in academic pediatrics, and funding is requested for another 5 years. RAPID’s aim is to implement and evaluate an REP designed to successfully recruit, retain, and professionally advance early academic pediatric investigators pursuing careers in NIDDK mission areas. RAPID has several innovative components: 1) small research grants in NIDDK mission areas; 2) pairing RAPID scholars with national mentors who are accomplished senior investigators; 3) in-person mentoring and networking at an annual Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting lunch; 4) an annual career-development and leadership conference; and 5) monthly Scholar Zoom meetings providing intensive mentoring, peer support, peer mentoring, networking, presenting research in progress, and opportunities for research collaborations. APA has extensive available educational resources, experience, staff, and facilities, all of which will continue to ensure RAPID’s success. The first 10 years of RAPID were highly successful, with the program achieving or exceeding all original aims, including: 1) multiple Scholars obtaining K awards and R01s; 2) Scholars generating multiple publications and presentations at national conferences; 3) continuing a highly rated annual conference of early investigators from across the US spanning the spectrum from residents to mid-level faculty; and 4) convening an annual networking meeting of Scholars, National Advisory Committee members, and RAPID and APA leadership. RAPID’s success as a model REP also impacted the entire field of pediatrics by prompting new partnerships with the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, American Board of Pediatrics, and American Pediatric Society, all of which have welcomed new RAPID Scholars funded by their organizations. If, as anticipated, the hypotheses continue to be confirmed, RAPID will continue to result in: 1) successful recruitment, retention, and professional advancement of early investigators who have overcome adversity; 2) increased likelihood that RAPID Scholars will present their project findings at a national professional meeting, publish their project findings, obtain additional research funding, obtain a career-development award, maintain their APA membership, and highly rate their commitment to a research career in pediatric academics; and 3) a model societal program for enhancing the success and leadership skills of such early investigators.