PRIMING THE PUMP: TRAINING PHYSICIAN-SCIENTISTS IN TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY

Columbia University Health Sciences, New York NY

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Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: This proposal is to continue our highly successful research track program (Columbia RTP) which aims to recruit and retain both MD/PhDs and other medical graduates with substantial research backgrounds into translational research careers in psychiatry. The Columbia RTP provides: (1) research opportunities across 12 areas, from basic science to implementation, dissemination, and policy; (2) early exposure to research through a pre-matriculation boot-camp and rotations on clinical research units; (3) intensive mentoring through all years of the program from senior faculty, the PIs, and more senior research residents (near-peers); (4) 14.5 months of protected time for independent research; (5) customized training in ethics, statistics, research design, and principles of translational research; (6) opportunities for combined research training in child and adult psychiatry through a unique 6-year track; and (7) seamless entry to an array of postgraduate research fellowships. The program provides unprecedented exposure to research for non-RTP residents as well. This is all accomplished while meeting ACGME clinical training requirements so that graduates are board-eligible in psychiatry. Over the past five-year funding cycle, the Columbia RTP has recruited 14 research track residents (RTRs). Seventy-one percent were MD/PhDs. The success of the Columbia RTP is reflected in the accomplishments of the RTRs. Over the past 11 years (2014-2024), 35 RTRs have graduated from residency training. Among these 35 RTRs, 83% (29/35), have continued be involved in research, with 71% (25/35) pursuing research as their primary activity (>80% effort). Twenty-six (74%) RTP graduates have full time careers in academia. The long-term outcomes of the RTP are also notable, with 81% (17/21) of those graduating between 2014-19 (our previous funding cycle) having secured NIH or Foundation funding as a Principal Investigator. An additional bonus of the Columbia RTP is that its training infrastructure provides “on-ramps” for residents without prior research experience to develop basic research skills and become significantly involved in psychiatry research. Ninety-three of the 129 residents (72%) graduating from the residency program since 2014, engaged in research electives during their third and/or fourth year of training, adding to the translational neuroscience workforce. In addition to the RTRs, 10 additional residents (without PhDs) elected to pursue research fellowships after training. Of these additional 10 graduates, 80% are still involved in research and have received grant funding. Ongoing support for the Columbia RTP will enable us to continue to connect Columbia psychiatry trainees to the vast research endeavor in our department, enhancing the pipeline of physician-scientists prepared to conduct translational research in psychiatry, a key goal of the NIMH.