Building the network of minority health research investigators: A novel program to enhance leadership and success of underrepresented minorities in biomedical research

Abstract

Background: To address the myriad of health problems and disparities that affect the United States (US) population, the mix of health care professionals and researchers must reflect the full diversity of the nation. There continues to be discrepancy between the number of trained scientists and biomedical researchers from underrepresented populations relative to the overall population. A scarcity of formal and informal networking opportunities for minority researchers and health care providers contribute to this lack of diversity. Objective: The purpose of this article is to report the outcomes of an established junior minority faculty mentoring program. The Network of Minority Health Research Investigators (NMRI) was established by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in 2002. We present outcome data from 2008 to the present. Methods: The Oversight and Planning Committees of the NMRI developed an 18-question survey. The NMRI program analyst conducted a pilot test of the survey and made modifications to ensure readability and understanding. From 2008 - 2018, we administered the survey in both paper and electronic versions to junior and senior members of NMRI. Descriptive results identified the participants. We used open coding to extrapolate recurring statements, words, and themes that were organized into four final categories: Reasons for attending NMRI; mentoring; career development; and social support. Results: Participants were primarily post-doctoral researchers or assistant professors seeking promotion to instructor or associate professor with tenure (64%). Consistent reasons for participating in the Network included: Career development; emotional support; mentorship for research; developing or refining skills for grant writing; lab management; poster presentations; and applying for tenure. Areas of research interest included diabetes, kidney diseases, nutrition, obesity, and bioinformatics. Conclusions: While the number of responses to the survey varied annually, the qualitative results suggest that career development and social support provided through the Network were the largest motivators for participation.