ABSTRACT

Background Evidence supports the key role research mentors play in bolstering the success of early stage investigators (ESI). However, there are limited data about the impact of supplemental, cross-disciplinary career mentorship and professional development opportunities for ESIs seldom included during academic training. We assessed the perceived value of this approach among post-doctoral fellows and early career faculty who participated in a multi-component career mentoring program organized by the University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Research (UCSF CFAR).

Methods We surveyed past program participants (2005-2020), assessing demographics, current career status, perceived impact of the program, and feedback on program elements. We performed thematic analysis on open-ended responses to explore program benefits.

Results Of 146 program participants contacted, 102 responded (70% response rate). Over two thirds (65%) were female, and 38% self-identified as underrepresented minority (URM) investigators. A majority of respondents now dedicate >70% of their time to research. All would recommend the program to ESI colleagues, and over 80% reported that their CFAR mentors influenced their career trajectories in several ways, including help with grant writing, linkage to researchers sparking new collaborations, and support through personal challenges or navigating conflict with primary research mentors. While 90% of URM ESIs valued advice from CFAR mentors, only a third reported receiving specific support around challenges faced as minoritized investigators.

Conclusions A career mentoring program designed to complement the support offered by research mentors positively influenced the career trajectory of ESIs. Focused efforts are needed to support URM investigators who face ongoing structural barriers to success in academic settings.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This work was supported by grants P30AI027763, K24MH087220, and R25DA043441.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

This study is based on program evaluation materials and did not involve human subjects as defined by the federal regulations summarized in 45 CFR 46.102(e). The Institutional Review Board at the University of California San Francisco therefore determined that it did not require IRB oversight

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Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

Data Availability

Due to confidentiality within a relatively small group, data sharing is limited, but available upon request.

List of AbbreviationsHIVHuman immunodeficiency virusUCSFUniversity of California, San FranciscoCFARCenter for AIDS ResearchESIEarly Stage InvestigatorClinical Trial NumberNot applicable.