Personalized Pediatrician-Scientist Training Program Optimizes Institutional Research Investment

A study evaluated the effectiveness of a personalized physician-scientist training program (K12 program supported by NICHD at Vanderbilt University) from January 2015 to December 2022. The primary outcome was tracking receipt of mentored career development awards (K08 or K23). Results showed that 73% of K12 program participants obtained career development awards, comparable to 71% of the comparison group (VFRS program). In the transition from mentored to independent NIH funding (K to R transition), 45% of K12 scholars and 50% of VFRS scholars succeeded. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that K12 scholars valued the personalized approach that developed self-efficacy and adaptability. The study concludes that personalized physician-scientist training programs may be an effective alternative to traditional programs and better utilize research resources.