Duke University Psychiatry Physician-Scientist Residency Training Program

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Abstract

B.1 ABSTRACT TEXT-WHAT ARE THE MAJOR GOALS OF THE PROJECT? The Aims of the project are as follows: 1. To attract talented medical students into the Duke psychiatry residency program and train them to become psychiatrist- scientists in basic, translational, and human subjects research by integrating clinical and research rotations, didactics, and expert mentoring in an individualized training pathway. 2. To provide early, dedicated, and flexible time and training for research over the course of residency. B.4 Training and Professional Development Activities: During this reporting period, the Duke Psychiatry Physician Scientist Track Program (Duke-PPST) provided robust training and professional development opportunities tailored to the program's objectives. These included opportunities for residents to engage in advanced skills development and professional growth through structured activities and individualized support. 1. Training Activities: o Residents engaged in one-on-one mentorship with faculty who provided guidance on research methodologies, career planning, and professional skill-building. o Workshops were held to develop competencies in critical areas, such as scientific writing, computational techniques, and research design. o Residents actively participated in interdisciplinary seminars aimed at deepening their understanding of cutting-edge methodologies and their applications in psychiatry research. 2. Professional Development Activities: o Professional growth was supported through participation in workshops and external conferences that broadened residents’ exposure to the latest research trends and fostered networking opportunities within the field. o The program emphasized the importance of wellness and work-life balance, incorporating activities designed to enhance personal and professional sustainability during residency training. Our structured combination of training and professional development opportunities ensures that participants not only gain technical expertise but also develop as well-rounded psychiatrist-scientists equipped for future leadership in their field. Duke University establishes Individual Development Plans (IDP) for postdoctoral researchers (scholars, trainees and fellows) and graduate students upon entry into the training programs. The IDP documents career objectives and specific measurable goals through a yearly planning process for both professional development needs and career objectives. Written evaluations by both the trainee and the mentor are completed on a yearly basis.