The PGNB seeks Council approval for the renewal of the Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP), a long-standing NICHD-funded mentored training program for pediatricians, during their subspecialty training, who are committed to launching an independent research career. The program is designed to enhance research skills and to provide a bridge between formal research training and the receipt of independent grants. From its inception, the program has focused on the training of pediatricians with outstanding scientific potential.
The Pediatric Scientist Development Program was first established in response to concerns expressed by the Pediatric Academic Societies' leadership and pediatric departments Chairs (AMSPDC) that pediatricians were not adequately trained in various areas of basic science technology to compete successfully for NIH grants. As modern biological methods and technology have evolved, this program continues to meet a vital ongoing need in today’s highly competitive research environment. The current outlook for pediatrician scientists shows a declining number of physicians choose pediatrics and still fewer go on to become independent investigators. Only half of current ABP-certified pediatric subspecialists report being involved in any research activities.
This program remains increasingly vital to sustain the pediatrician scientist workforce by providing academically oriented pediatricians who are in the earliest stages of their careers with state-of-the-art education and mentoring. The need for such a program remains apparent, especially with current diminishing research funding which has jeopardized the survival of young investigators and has eroded the pipeline of talented young investigators destined for academic medicine. The average age for the first time R01 awards for MDs has gradually increased over the past 3 decades from the mid-30s to mid-40s. This program addresses the NICHD’s ongoing commitment to the training and career development of physician scientists during their formative years. Training the next generation of physician scientists is paramount to maintaining an academic workforce who are devoted to advancing research in child health, a patient population NICHD serves.
The PSDP recruits pediatric residents to participate in this program during their subspecialty fellowship training. Over the duration of the program, the PSDP has added substantially to the academic workforce. There has been a 2-fold increase in scholar applicants to this program in the past 5 years. Through this program, the NICHD has funded 235 pediatrician scholars, located in 48 pediatric departments throughout the US, and mentored by senior investigators who are expert and working in 19 distinct areas of science, supporting scholar projects that are relevant to child health. The majority of past scholars (52%) have been NIH-funded principal investigators and 90% remain in academic pediatrics, many of whom have advanced through the academic ladder and hold leadership positions.
Program Contact
Karen Winer
Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch (PGNB)
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