The GW Primary Care Research Training Program (P-CART) adopts a comprehensive approach to develop trainees who are innovators, boundary-crossers, and rigorous primary care researchers. This approach is shaped by trainee support, research resources and tools, and knowledge integration that builds on a foundation of core competencies for health researchers and postdoctoral investigators.
- Discipline Specific Conceptual Knowledge
- Research Skill Development
- Communication Skills
- Professionalism
- Leadership and Management Skills
- Responsible Conduct of Research
Fellows participate in mentored research, formal and informal training, and career development activities that lead to scholarly dissemination, grant submissions, and research careers. Trainees follow individualized training and development plans, with coursework customized for their goals and research.
At the beginning of the program, trainees will collaborate with faculty mentors and a career development coach to assess their current skill level and construct individualized career development plans focused on the following:
- Activities and goals related to the mentored primary care research project
- Didactic courses
- Conferences and seminars
- Professional development (e.g., medical and scientific writing, grant proposal development)
- Dissemination, implementation, and community engagement strategies
- Responsible conduct of research, including the application of health equity principles
- Steps through the postdoctoral transition
A sample timeline and activities of a P-CART fellow is outlined in the tables below.
| Year 1 (PhD Investigators) | Year 2 (PhD Investigators) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Career Development Plan (IDCP) | Progress Report | Review ICDP, 360 Evaluation | Progress Report, Review Goals |
| Clinical research modules | Advanced Grant Writing | Workshops, Electives | Postdoctoral Transition Training/Plans |
| Cultural Competency Self-Assessment | Health Equity & Community Engagement Training | Health Equity Tools | Assessment of Research |
| Responsible Conduct of Research | Publications/Presentations | Prepare Proposal; Funding | Peer Review; Publications |
| Research Project & Team Development | May Begin Mentored Research | Mentored Research | Team Composition/Analysis |
| Career Development & Quality Improvement | P-CART Retreat | Career Development | Summary Evaluation |
| Year 1 (Health Professionals) | Year 2 (Health Professionals) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Career Development Plan (IDCP) | Progress Report | Review ICDP, 360 Evaluation | Progress Report; Review Goals |
| CRP Certificate Courses | CRP Certificate Courses | MSHS in CTR (optional) | Postdoctoral Transition Training/Plans |
| Cultural Competency Self-Assessment | Health Equity & Community Engagement Training | Health Equity Tools | Assessment of Research |
| Responsible Conduct of Research | Grant Writing; Publications/Presentations | Prepare Proposal; Funding | Peer Review; Publications |
| Research Project & Team Development | Design & Analysis Consultation | Mentored Research | Team Composition/Analysis |
| Career Development & Quality Improvement | P-CART Retreat | Career Development | Summary Evaluation |
It is anticipated that trainees with prior research preparation (PhD-trained) will benefit from targeted courses (e.g., grant-writing, advanced research methodologies) whereas health professions trainees without formal research training will complete a graduate certificate or master’s degree at GW designed for clinical researchers.