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. 2023 Mar 15;23(1):160.
doi: 10.1186/s12909-023-04104-8.

The development, implementation and early learnings of a training program to advance interest in behavioral research careers among undergraduate BIPOC students majoring in psychology

Michelle R Lent  1 , Denise Gaither-Hardy  2 , Kevin E Favor  2 , Diana Harris  3 , Travis A Cos  4 , Conor Millard  3 , Zatio Kone  3 , Ashley Van Riper  3 , Karen L Dugosh  3
Affiliations

The development, implementation and early learnings of a training program to advance interest in behavioral research careers among undergraduate BIPOC students majoring in psychology

Michelle R Lent et al. BMC Med Educ. .

Abstract

Objectives: Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) remain underrepresented in research occupations. This report discusses a collaboration to train undergraduate BIPOC students in clinical research between a public health institute, two medical schools, and a historically Black College or University (HBCU). This nine-month program trained BIPOC undergraduates in research methodology, psychology, and addiction science, and immersed trainees in real-world research. The program included didactic seminars, experiential activities, and a mentored research project culminating in a poster and oral presentation.

Methods: Key learnings, program satisfaction survey results, and preliminary outcomes from the first three program cohorts (N = 6 students) are presented. This program addressed several barriers hypothesized to contribute to the limited number of BIPOC students pursuing research careers, including mentorship from BIPOC faculty and financial concerns.

Results: Students reported moderate to high satisfaction with the program and endorsed gaining new research skills. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Conclusion: The expansion of the BIPOC health and research workforce is an urgent priority given the importance of BIPOC professionals to the health of our nation.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04650386.

Keywords: BIPOC; Clinical research training program; Undergraduates.

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Conflict of interest statement

This work was supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, award #4100083338. We have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Clinical research traineeship components and their relationship to study activities
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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