1162-P: Promoting Career Development of Physicians Engaged in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Research—The New DiabDocs Multicenter National K12 Program

Abstract

Background: Given low rates of physicians entering diabetes research, NIH recently funded a multi-center National K12 “DiabDocs” Program to train and support physician-scientists for productive academic careers in T1D. Specific aims for the program include: 1) Expand the geographical access to diabetes K12 programs in the US, 2) Create a diverse nationwide cohort of promising physician-scientists through shared programmatic training experiences, 3) Develop a national mentor community, 4) Ensure consistency and effectiveness of mentoring, including focused attention on diversity, equity and inclusion. Methods: DiabDocs program administration is comprised of 2 Program Directors, an Executive Leadership Committee, a National Advisory Committee and Scientific Review Committee. Recruitment for the first cohort of program Scholars began in August 2022. Candidates self-nominated with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Eligible Scholars were then invited to submit a full application and attend a program retreat. Of the 12 LOIs received from 12 different institutions, 10 candidates were invited to submit a full application and attend the program retreat. At the retreat, 19 reviewers from 16 different institutions participated in diversity training, conducted interviews, and gathered as a study section to discuss applications. Results: Ultimately 4 scholars were selected: 2 with pediatric endocrinology and 2 with adult endocrinology backgrounds. Three scholars are women, and 1 scholar self-identifies as from a group underrepresented in medicine (25%). The next application cycle is planned for Jan-March 2023. Conclusions: The DiabDocs program will address the critical shortage of trained physician-scientists focused on T1D. We anticipate that the planned program training combined with existing research infrastructures will engage a talented and diverse pool of scholars and accelerate their career trajectories. Disclosure K.D.Dasani: None. L.Dimeglio: Advisory Panel; Merck & Co., Inc., Consultant; Abata Therapeutics, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. F.K.Bishop: None. S.Golden: Advisory Panel; Abbott Diabetes, Medtronic. L.M.Laffel: Advisory Panel; Medtronic, Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Roche Diagnostics, Provention Bio, Inc., Consultant; Dexcom, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Medscape. R.G.Mirmira: None. A.Steck: None. W.V.Tamborlane: None. S.M.Willi: Advisory Panel; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Medtronic. D.M.Maahs: Advisory Panel; Medtronic, LifeScan Diabetes Institute, MannKind Corporation, Consultant; Abbott, Research Support; Dexcom, Inc. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K12DK133995)