Growing our own: a regional approach to encourage psychiatric residents to enter research.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes a regional program developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for training psychiatry residents in research and attracting them to academic careers.


METHODS
The authors describe a low-cost, innovative program developed to increase the number of psychiatry residents entering postresidency research training fellowships by providing them with mentorship and exposure to seasoned researchers, didactic coursework, and a stipend to cover academic expenses.


RESULTS
Over the first 4 years, the program has generated enthusiastic participation among postgraduate year 3 (PGY-3) residents, with a high percentage of underrepresented ethnic minorities and women. Products include publication of four first-authored and two coauthored manuscripts, one first-authored abstract, submission of six additional papers, 28 academic presentations and development of research projects. Half of graduating awardees have gone on to pursue research careers.


CONCLUSIONS
Our regional approach provides sufficient academic expertise to make residency training feasible in a cost-effective manner.
Kunik
Mark E
ME
Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mkunik@bcm.tmc.edu
Hudson
Sonora
S
Schubert
Brenda
B
Nasrallah
Henry
H
Kirchner
Joann E
JE
Sullivan
Greer
G
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D002321:Career Choice; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008611:Mentors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000193:education; D016730:Program Development / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D012107:Research Design; D012737:Sex Factors; D015144:Southeastern United States