Michigan Emergency Medicine Physician-Scientist StARR Training Program

The goal of the new Michigan Emergency Medicine Physician-Scientist StARR Training Program is to enhance research training and career development opportunities for emergency medicine (EM) resident investigators at the University of Michigan. The program will recruit and train outstanding resident investigators in research related to heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders and biological systems, across areas of basic, clinical, translational, and health services research. There is a significant need for additional research training in EM, and one clear gap is the lack of dedicated research training programs for EM residents. To successfully conduct high-quality research, obtain research funding, and launch a research career, physician-scientists need a period of targeted training and mentoring with appropriate dedicated research time. This program aims to provide these key opportunities for EM residents committed to pursuing academic careers as physician-scientists. The program will be housed in one of the leading academic EM departments nationally, and it will be led by expert EM researchers and educators. The program also includes a group of over 20 highly qualified faculty who will serve as mentors, all with productive, well-funded HLBS research programs and a demonstrated track record of commitment to trainee research skill development. The program aims include the following: 1) Recruit and train EM resident investigators in HLBS research. The program will support 2 outstanding EM resident trainees annually, allowing residents to complete 12 additional months of research training. 2) Develop a competency-based, flexible training program that utilizes evidence-based best practices to maximize the likelihood of EM resident-investigator success. Each resident will work with their mentorship team to create an individualized development plan and pursue training in rigorous medical research, scientific and grant writing skills, and leadership skills. 3) Develop and maintain a robust evaluation system for learners and the program, enabling continuous program improvement, and ensuring trainees become highly competitive K award applicants. Program evaluation will include monitoring actionable metrics, soliciting active trainee and mentor feedback, and tracking post-program trainee career success. This will be achieved through a flexible program that engages potential resident-investigators at all levels of research experience. Overall, the proposed StARR program will provide EM residents with the skills necessary to enter their post-residency positions in an advanced state of preparedness and will accelerate their time to an independent research career. The program is designed to increase the number of EM physician-scientists conducting HLBS research.