Training future generations of mental health researchers: devising strategies for tough times.
OBJECTIVE
The authors describe a junior faculty scholars program in a large academic department of psychiatry, designed to reduce attrition during the high-risk period of transition from post-doctoral fellowship to receipt of the first extramural research award.


METHODS
Scholars receive 25% salary support for two years to enable their participation in a research survival skills practicum, mentored collection of pilot data, preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and submission of K23 and K01 proposals.


RESULTS
Of 22 junior faculty scholars appointed during the period of 1999-2004, 17 have submitted K award proposals. All were funded on either the first or second submission


CONCLUSIONS
A program for junior faculty scholars can provide support for successfully navigating the critical and often difficult transition from post-doctoral fellowship to junior faculty. The program is expanding its efforts to assist K awardees in moving successfully along the developmental continuum (e.g., successful submission of R01, development of mentoring skills).
Reynolds
Charles F
CF
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. reynoldscf@msx.upmc.edu
Pilkonis
Paul A
PA
Kupfer
David J
DJ
Dunn
Leslie
L
Pincus
Harold A
HA
D002322:Career Mobility; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008611:Mentors; D010379:Peer Group; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D011643:Publishing; D012106:Research / Q000193:education*; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D014481:United States