Next Generation KUH Researchers (GENERATOR) Professional Development Core

ABSTRACT - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORE Our GENERATOR Professional Development Core goal is designed to build the capacity of pre- and post- doctoral trainees to produce highly meritorious research, plan successful independent investigator careers in KUH research, engage in interdisciplinary collaborative science, and acquire leadership and mentorship qualities that set them apart. To accomplish these goals, we will leverage the robust infrastructure of Mayo Clinic Rochester (MCR) and University of Wisconsin Madison (UWM) to develop and implement structured learning experiences led by faculty trained in best mentoring practices (e.g., didactic and hands-on exercises, collaborative experiences, and regional/national networking opportunities). Our Professional Development Core will enhance cross-disciplinary mentorship and hands-on research experiences with a paradigm-shifting professional development program that leverages adult learning theory, emphasizes collaborative experiences & active participation through faculty- and peer-led small group settings and deploys experiential learning approaches for career development training. To do so, we propose the following aims: Aim 1. Build the research capacity of trainees. To accomplish this, we will be guided by Cooke’s Framework for Evaluating Research Capacity Building and have developed a combined program of virtual workshop sessions. Aim 2. Enhance trainee career preparation and professional skills. Building on the infrastructure in Aim 1 we will deliver curriculum designed to enhance trainees’ inter- and intra-personal professional skills. Curriculum is based on Social Learning Theory and Self-Determination theory. Aim 3. Build a dynamic culture of mentorship that improves mentoring skills of both trainees and preceptors. Faculty mentors will be required to participate in evidence-based culturally competent approaches and strategies in their mentoring relationships that are designed to result in measurable trainee success. Mentor curriculum delivered will be existing curriculum designed by Dr. Christine Pfund at the UWM Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experience in Research (CIMER) and the Maximizing Mentoring training program (MCR). Aim 4. Evaluate program strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. To accomplish this, we have selected an implementation science evaluation framework with over two decades of use, RE- AIM. With this model, we will evaluate the reach of our program to diverse trainees, effectiveness of program on traditional productivity metrics, adoption of curriculum by mentors and trainees, implementation success holistically, and maintenance of productivity and performance after exiting the program.