UCSF Program in Resident Opportunities for Mentored Ophthalmic Training in Experimentation (PROMOTE)

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The rationale and fundamental goals of the UCSF Program in Resident Opportunities for Mentored Ophthalmic Training in Experimentation (PROMOTE) are to recruit, train, mentor, and launch generations of talented and diverse resident-investigators with both clinical expertise and the scientific, methodologic, and leadership skills required to conduct transformative clinical and translational research as emerging vision clinician-scientists. UCSF Department of Ophthalmology and the Francis I. Proctor Foundation are uniquely positioned to launch this program by virtue of our NIH/NEI-funded faculty preceptors with strong mentorship records, residency programs with core programmatic elements including a track record of resident research success and an early career development program, opportunities to synergize with our existing K12 program, and strong institutional commitment and plan for the recruitment of a diverse group of resident-investigators including women and UIM. The Aims of the program are to 1) attract, recruit, and retain diverse and talented resident-investigators from Ophthalmology and Optometry to the clinician-scientist pathway; 2) mentor and train these resident- investigators via three core elements: a mentored project and tailored coursework that results in the development of scientific and methodological expertise commensurate to prior training level, impactful and longitudinal mentor-mentee relationships, and an individualized plan for scientific, career development, and leadership skills including guidance on successfully competing for early career development awards such as K awards; 3) rigorously evaluate and track outcomes of PROMOTE and develop it as a model for residency programs nationwide. An accomplished group of Preceptors with broad expertise and strong mentorship skills will provide resident-investigators with structured mentorship among three Tracks (epidemiology/RCTs/global health; basic/translational vision sciences; innovation/bioengineering). Key program activities include: 1) high- quality resident-led mentored research coupled with individualized didactics; 2) leveraging of existing resources for postdoctoral training; 3) career development and academic success skills; 4) training in the responsible conduct of research; and 5) evaluation and iterative improvement of PROMOTE outcomes. Each resident-investigator will benefit from a personalized network of mentors to guide them in achieving their goals. An Advisory Committee will work with the program director to recruit and evaluate trainees and identify opportunities for program improvement. An External Advisory Board will provide a rigorous assessment of the program and strategic planning. Key outcomes of UCSF R38 PROMOTE’s diverse resident-investigators include quantifiable measures of academic productivity; success in applying for career development awards; and ultimately engagement and persistence towards the pursuit of long-term academic careers as clinician- scientists with a focus on rigorous research dedicated towards eliminating vision loss and improving quality of life across the lifespan and diverse populations.