IGNITE KUH Professional Development Core

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORE ABSTRACT The University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia Tech (VT), each have well developed Professional Development programs for pre- and post-doctoral trainees participating in basic or translational biomedical research. However, educational opportunities in KUH generally are sparse. This proposal addresses this deficiency. We plan to take advantage of the particular strengths of each institution and the revolution in web-based conferencing in response to the pandemic to help create an effective multi- institutional training program. The majority of classes and seminars offered to our trainees will be both in person and on-line, so that the institutional strengths can be shared by all. Hence, the inclusion of three primary institutions as well as other participants serves as a strength, rather than a weakness of the training program. An advantage of the heavy emphasis on web-based conferencing is that it will familiarize trainees with the technologies that are the wave of the future in science and medicine. Another point of emphasis in our professional development plan is intellectual property education. Aim 1: To teach trainees skills that enable them to tackle all aspects of career development. These include effective written and oral presentations; enhancing overall communication skills; and developing an effective professional network. Trainees will be immersed in a team science approach to aid in networking and exposure to cutting-edge technologies including on-line communication. Aim 2: To provide trainees with mentoring skills and to improve the mentoring skills of preceptors. Mentoring will include formal didactic training and informal basic and clinical research training. The program will avail preceptors with teaching forums and trainee evaluations in order to improve mentoring.