Leadership
Erika Abramson, MD, MSc
Weill Cornell University
Sara Johnson, PhD, MPH
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
The APA Research Scholars Program is a three-year faculty development program designed to help APA members interested in enhancing their academic credentials to develop research skills and to plan, implement, and write-up a research project. The APA Research Scholars Program assists pediatric clinician-educators and clinician-researchers in developing themselves as fulfilled faculty members engaged in important and exciting high-quality child health research.
The Program includes:
- Assignment of a National Advisor, selected based on each scholar’s research interest
- Quarterly webinars and coursework in research design and statistics as well as faculty-facilitated and peer-mentored research-in-progress sessions
- Peer-mentoring groups comprised of scholars with common interests in research topics and/or methods
- An annual, pre-PAS RSP Day that focuses on advanced research topics, guidance on career development, and reviews of scholars’ research-in-progress
- Implementation and completion of a research project
- Certificate of Excellence in Research Scholarship, upon graduation
Curriculum Outline
Each year in RSP is divided into quarters with specific themes. Each quarter's webinars and assignments coincide with the themes.
Year 1
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- Kick-off at PAS: Career in pediatric research, Foundations of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
- Quarter 1: Framing Your Research Argument
- Quarter 2: Study Designs
- Quarter 3: Measures, Sampling and Bias
- Quarter 4: Sample size, power, effect size and significance level
Year 2
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- Kick-off at PAS: Skillbuilding in Quantitative and Qualitative Research; Seeking Funding; Effective mentorship
- Quarter 1: Data Collection
- Quarter 2: Data Management
- Quarter 3: Project Management
- Quarter 4: Putting it all together
Year 3
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- Kick-off at PAS: The CV and NIH Biosketch, Applying quant/qual skills to scholars' datasets
- Quarter 1: Grant Writing
- Quarter 2: Publication and Presentation
- Quarter 3: Research Ethics
- Quarter 4: Putting it all together
Program Requirements
Make sure to speak with your Division Director and/or Chair about RSP requirements early in the application process.
Scholars are expected to:
- Commit 10% of their time to RSP in order to complete the full curriculum and a research project
- Have access to statistical software (e.g., SPSS)
- Obtain required textbooks (to be assigned after acceptance into RSP)
- Prepare for and attend quarterly webinars
- Complete required assignments
- Meet regularly with local/national mentors/advisors
- Attend the annual PAS Meeting
- Conduct a mentored research project (develop the aims and hypotheses, implement it, and present/publish it)
Apply
RSP will recruit for Cohort 8 in Summer 2024
Applicants must submit the following materials via the online application portal:
- Personal information (e.g., name, email address)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Agreement to Participate
- Project description (500 words)
- Personal Statement (250 words)
- Required Statement and Letter of Support from Supervisor
- Required Statement, Letter of Support, and biosketch from local mentor
- Application fee
Applicants are responsible for collecting and electronically submitting all application materials.
Applications to RSP must include a project proposal. RSP leadership is available to discuss project ideas prior to application submission. Following acceptance to and enrollment in RSP, projects may be modified, based on discussion with and approval from mentors, national advisors, and RSP leadership.
Applicants are responsible for finding their own local mentors. RSP leadership is available to provide guidance in identifying a mentor if given notice at least two months prior to the application deadline. RSP leadership will identify a national advisor for scholars who are accepted and enroll in the program.
Eligibility
Applicants must be members of the Academic Pediatric Association.
Applications are welcome from those who are:
- Faculty
- Fellows
- Other professionals involved in caring for or conducting research about the health and well-being of children and families
Tuition & Fees
- There is a $125 application fee
- Tuition is $5,600, due within 90 days of acceptance
Please contact the APA office if the application fee and/or tuition limits your ability to apply.
Current Scholars
Alumni
FAQs
What are the criteria for acceptance? We are looking for well-thought-out project proposals that are likely to have a successful implementation, a strong and well-articulated desire on the part of the applicant to pursue research, and good supporting documentation from the Scholar's institution and mentor. RSP is meant for those whose previous training has not provided them with the breadth and depth needed in research training and experience to sustain a significant focus on research in their careers.
Who selects the scholars and how many will be selected? The RSP co-directors will select the scholars, after the applications have been reviewed by pediatric researchers. Numbers vary for each cohort.
What exactly does the 10% time commitment mean? Scholars will be conducting projects that directly contribute to their department and/or institution, are within the scope of their current job commitments (or can be negotiated to become a part of their scope of work), and aid in the career development of the scholar (e.g., leading to promotion).
How should I choose a local mentor? Your mentor does not need to be a pediatrician or a member of your department, but should have expertise in a key area (content and/or methodology) related to your proposed project and have experience as an independent researcher. A good mentor is approachable and available, and personally committed to the mentee's success. Ideally, a scholar's mentor is within their home institution.
What is the role of a national advisor? The national advisor will track progress on the scholar's project, providing assistance as problems are encountered, and will be available for more in-depth conversations regarding the scholar's career development and trajectory.
Can a Scholar enroll in RSP for less than three years? Shortening tenure in the program is not allowed.
Why is there an application fee and tuition cost? The Research Scholars Program has significant operating expenses (e.g., coordination of the numerous faculty, online support webinars and curriculum assignments, PAS programming, etc.). While operating costs are also partially subsidized by the Academic Pediatric Association, the fee and tuition make it possible to sustain the program.
Does RSP provide financial or travel support to Scholars? No. It is important for each scholar to have support from his/her/their supervisor the application fee, tuition, protected time, any project-related costs, and travel to PAS. Some Scholars may have access to support (e.g., through faculty development grants) to supplement institutional resources.
How can I learn more about RSP? Follow us on twitter at #BeAScholarRSP and use the below form to submit additional questions.
