As of March 2021, roughly 60% of PeDRA members were students, trainees, or investigators who finished training less than seven years ago. These individuals represent the future of the field of pediatric dermatology research, from the clinician scientists who will collaborate on academic studies and clinical trials, to the thought leaders who will define the direction of the field. PeDRA invests heavily in programs and resources to ensure the success of this group of members to become empowered, research-ready scientists of the future. In addition to formal programs and resources, early investigators benefit strongly from the networking opportunities that come with being a part of PeDRA’s vibrant membership, which is free to trainees.
Current EI programs and initiatives include:
- The Early Investigator Committee (EIC). Formed in 2014 with the mission of supporting the needs of junior faculty and trainees who are dedicated to advancing research in pediatric dermatology. The EIC includes thirteen members and is chaired by Dr. Lisa Arkin from the University of Wisconsin. The EIC provides strategic vision for programs and resources to support early investigators and has designed and implemented many successful, energetic initiatives.
What is an Early Investigator (EI)?
A clinician scientist in the field of pediatric dermatology who is less than 7 years out of training.
A non-dermatologist physician or research scientist with significant professional effort in pediatric dermatology or an area relevant to pediatric dermatology who is less than 7 years out of training.
A trainee (resident or fellow) actively participating, or interested in participating, in research in the field of pediatric dermatology.
- The PeDRA Mentorship Program. A two-year program fostering meaningful relationships between early investigators and senior leaders to advance burgeoning careers. Mentees have access to established experts for feedback on ongoing research, challenging cases, and career guidance.
- Early Investigator Forum, held alongside the PeDRA Annual Conference. The Forum routinely attracts more than 100 attendees for programming designed to strengthen the skills of EI’s through presentations and interactive activities. Going into its sixth year, in 2021 the EI Forum will take place on Thursday, October 14 with the theme of Finding Your Career Happy Place: Thriving, Not Just Surviving.
- Virtual Education for the EI audience, including webinars and podcasts on developing skills for career success, work-life balance, and conducting collaborative research. Check back often, as virtual education offerings are actively expanding.
- The PeDRA Mobile App, with a dedicated Trainee Discussion Forum and resources designed for easy access during the busy life of an early career clinician scientist.
- Connections to outside resources like this webinar series from the Women’s Dermatologic Society and the roadmap for preparing your next talk from Melissa Marshall.
Questions about any of our EI programs or initiatives? Send us an email at info@pedraresearch.org.
EI Testimonials
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
PeDRA offers a mentorship program for trainees, early career, and mid-career clinician scientists interested in developing their skill set and growing their network to advance their careers in pediatric dermatology research. The program is designed to foster meaningful relationships between early investigators and more established investigators in the field. These relationships are intended to build the professional networks of burgeoning clinician scientists, while also providing career development training and advancing active and future research.
How it works
PeDRA’s mentorship program is a 2-year, 1:1 program. Mentees and mentors are carefully matched based on a compatibility survey submitted by both mentor and mentee applicants. mentors and mentees communicate as frequently as desired by email, phone, or in person, with a minimum of 3-required meetings per year by phone or in-person. PeDRA staff provide support for the program, while the Early Investigator Committee provides resources for both mentors and mentees via the PeDRA website and quarterly mentorship e-newsletters.
Program Objectives
- Cultivate relationships between members of the pediatric dermatology research community across all career stages.
- Promote career development within the field of pediatric dermatology research.
- Equip burgeoning clinician scientists with the practical, personal, and scientific skills necessary to conduct successful research in pediatric dermatology.
Mentee Eligibility
- Must be an Active or Trainee PeDRA Member in good standing
- Must be no more than 15 years out of training, with categories broken out as follows:
- Trainee: medical student, resident, or fellow*
- Early career: less than 7 years out of training**
Mentor Eligibility
- Must be an Active PeDRA Member in good standing.
- Must be at least 7 years out of training to serve as a mentor to trainees or early investigators**
- Must be at least 15 years out of training to serve as a mentor to mid-career investigators
*Medical students, residents, fellows are eligible to apply and will be paired with an early investigator. **Early and mid-career investigators may be both mentors and/or mentees.
Enrollment in the 2021-2023 Mentorship Cycle is coming soon!
If you are interested in learning more about the next cycle now, please email Jenn Dawson.