Despite great advances in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, and major advances in clinical care, major health challenges remain that negatively impact public health. Addressing these challenges requires that the biomedical field draw from the broadest talent pool available. Yet, analysis of the trends in the biomedical sciences workforce and trainee pool consistently demonstrate that specific racial and ethnic groups remain underrepresented in this arena relative to their representation within the population of the United States. Therefore, programs that address the discrepancy in participation rates between different racial, ethnic, gender and/or socioeconomic groups, and promote the engagement of the maximum number of talented individuals are needed. In this application, we propose the development of a research education program to alleviate this discrepancy at our institution, the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts. The goals of the proposed program are: to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups, to enhance the retention and progression to candidacy of students from traditionally underrepresented groups, and to enhance the career development of participating students so that they successfully transition to their desired role within the biomedical sciences workforce. To achieve the desired goals, we will employ a multi-faceted approach that includes: 1) Increased involvement of UMMS at national conferences targeted towards trainees from traditionally underrepresented groups as well as the development and enhancement of relationships with undergraduate institutions and training programs that promote the training of students in STEM fields; 2) The implementation of onboarding courses that provide preparation and guidance for the first-year graduate school curriculum; the implementation of a series of workshops that equip students with the tools to successfully navigate the path to PhD candidacy; as well as the establishment of an enhanced advising program that provides one-on-one advising interactions between students and faculty; and 3) The implementation of a series of career development and networking events, including the development and annual revision of an Individual Development Plan, that promote clarity surrounding career goals, the development of a career path, and the acquisition of the scientific communication skills and professional network that facilitate the successful transition to the next phase of the chosen career. The proposed approaches are expected to increase the number of underrepresented students attaining PhD degrees in the biomedical sciences from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. If successful, the proposed approaches may serve as models that can be implemented broadly at institutions around the country.

Public Health Relevance

Human health is influenced by many factors. Despite a significant body of knowledge, many human disease states remain intractable to cure. Tackling these problems requires that the biomedical enterprise draw from the broadest talent pool possible. Moreover, over the past decade, there has been an increasing appreciation of health disparities within the United States and the impact of these disparities on the country. Therefore, programs that increase the diversity of the biomedical workforce with regards to race/ethnicity, gender, educational background, and other factors will enhance the country's ability to effectively tackle important issues related to human health and health disparities. This application describes such a program, and is therefore expected to contribute towards a positive impact on public health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
1R25GM113686-01
Application #
8844171
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (TWD)
Program Officer
Janes, Daniel E
Project Start
2015-08-01
Project End
2020-06-30
Budget Start
2015-08-01
Budget End
2016-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$332,834
Indirect Cost
$24,654
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Other Basic Sciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603847393
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655
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