# Priming the Pump: Training Physician-Scientists in Translational Psychiatry

> **NIH NIH R25** · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · 2020 · $216,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
This proposal aims to continue and improve upon a residency training research track with the explicit goal of
recruiting MD/PhD and medical graduates with a track record in conducting research. The program provides
early exposure to clinical research in psychiatry to stimulate interest in translational research among our basic
science trainees. In addition, research track residents have 14.5 months of protected time for an independent
research project. These months are augmented by intensive mentoring, overseen by the PIs, functioning as
“meta-mentors,” as well as a customized curriculum focused on ethics, statistics, research design, and principles
of translational research. All this is attained while meeting ACGME clinical training requirements so that
graduates are board-eligible in psychiatry. This approach is intended to remedy the current state of affairs
wherein MD/PhDs often are faced with “re-starting” their research after a hiatus created by the need for clinical
training. We already have early evidence that our 4-year program permits research track residents to “jump start”
their research career, rendering them better prepared for research fellowships and the K-award process,
ultimately setting them up for successful careers as independent investigators. As an added bonus, the training
infrastructure established by the research track program provides an opportunity for multiple “on-ramps” for
residents without prior research experience to explore research and develop basic research skills. Through this
program we anticipate enhancing the pipeline of physician-scientists prepared to conduct translational research
in psychiatry, a key goal of the NIMH.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10052259
- **Project number:** 3R25MH086466-12S1
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC
- **Principal Investigator:** Melissa Arbuckle
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $216,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2009-04-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10052259

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10052259, Priming the Pump: Training Physician-Scientists in Translational Psychiatry (3R25MH086466-12S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10052259. Licensed CC0.

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