Research Education Core

Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract: RESEARCH EDUCATION COMPONENT needs of older adults with serious illness (OASI) and their families. This proposal for the Research Education Component (REC) of our OAIC aims to develop research leaders through creation of a dedicated program of academic and research development for junior investigators in geriatric palliative care (GPC) research, encompassing researchers from a broad range of clinical and social science disciplines. The ultimate goal of the REC is to provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of research for OASI and place these scientists on a path to obtaining external funding and ultimately research independence. In this proposal we have outlined a detailed plan to recruit talented early-stage scientists from diverse disciplines and provide them with advanced training in research methodology including expertise in dementia, health disparities research and implementation science, an individualized career development plan, relationships with experienced mentors, assistance in accessing the OAIC’s three resource cores, and support to conduct research studies focused on OASI. Candidates for this core include individuals who are immediately out of training and are starting a research path or are career switching from a clinical career to a research career (“very early investigators”); investigators who are preparing for or are in the process of submitting an NIH or foundation career development award (“pre-K” stage); and scientists who are transitioning off a career development award and need additional support as they apply for R01 grants or equivalent mechanisms (“K to R”). The curriculum for the REC scholars consists of two core elements designed to efficiently leverage OAIC and institutional resources. One element is a core curriculum in research design, methods and statistics offered by Mount Sinai’s Graduate School. The other element is a curriculum addressing elements related to specifically to GPC research that has been developed by OAIC faculty; this curriculum includes our cross-cutting themes of dementia and implementation science research, and new to this renewal – health disparities research. Training and weekly mentoring will occur in a variety of venues and will include clear roles and responsibilities for REC scholars and mentors alike. We have incorporated the use of individualized career development plans and project tracking grids that infuse a spirit of accountability and provide a structure for monitoring progress. Regular and rigorous evaluation of scholars as well as the program is in place. Oversight assures that the core’s co-leaders interact on a regular basis with other OAIC leaders as member of the Leadership and Administrative Core and of the Executive Committee, ensuring that the REC is successful. Additionally, the OAIC Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) will provide oversight to the REC, review all REC proposals, and make funding decisions. The SAC will work with the REC leaders to assure that the core creates a group of wellsupported and well-trained junior investigators dedicated to improving the care of OASI and their families.