A Holistic Approach to Training the next Generation of Diverse Biomedical Researchers

Abstract

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD) program was prompted by a self‐study that indicated underrepresented minority (URM) PhD students were under‐performing in their programs. Seventy five percent of supported VCU‐IMSD PhD students are making good progress towards their degrees and the first of these individuals completed the PhD in 2013. Two of the eight supported students have secured independent support for their training and the most senior trainees have published papers. Some IMSD PhD trainees achieved these successes despite modest performance on the GRE and in first year course work. We attribute success of these individuals to several factors. First, the IMSD program has embraced a “coaching” model for student training. The Program Director coaches students, without the evaluative role of a traditional PhD mentor. Second, IMSD PhD students participate in a professional‐development program (VCU‐BEST) designed to help them identify their career paths. The students tend to be more productive and successful once they have identified their career paths. Third, the IMSD program is a mechanism to bring URM PhD students together and provides a sense of “cohort”. IMSD PhD students also benefit from shared experiences with their majority peers that reduce social barriers, thereby making it easier for them to collaborate and support each other in laboratory and academic settings. Finally, IMSD PhD students are role models and coaches for underrepresented undergraduates and postbaccalaureates. This leadership opportunity enhances self‐efficacy, further increasing productivity and success. Although the IMSD PhD program was designed to support URM students, we argue that these activities are potentially beneficial for all PhD students.