Drug Abuse Research Training

5R25DA020537-19
The Drug Abuse Research Training program (DART; R25DA020537; MPIs: Back & Brady), which was established in 2006 with support from NIDA, is an intensive research training program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). The main impetus for the DART program is the continued shortage of well-trained clinical researchers, particularly physicians, prepared to conduct rigorous patient-oriented research focused on substance use disorders (SUD). The primary objective of the DART program, therefore, is to increase the number of physician-scientists committed to pursuing clinical research careers in the field of SUD. To accomplish this, we designed and successfully implemented a two-year research track within the General Psychiatry residency program, which allows selected residents to spend approximately 50% time during PGY3 and PGY4 in a well-coordinated research education curriculum that includes mentored clinical research and core research training activities. The DART program received the annual Award for Creativity in Psychiatric Education from the American College of Psychiatrists for its innovative approach to promoting physician-scientist training, namely: (1) access to research mentors; (2) support for research time during residency; and (3) financial support, such as funding for pilot projects and travel to present research at scientific conferences. A secondary objective of the DART program is to reach potential clinician-scientists earlier on in their career trajectories to expose them to cutting-edge clinical and translational SUD-related research. To accomplish this, we created the DART Summer Research Fellowship, which provides medical, graduate, and select undergraduate students the opportunity to work alongside dedicated researchers and participate in a set of structured enrichment activities for 10 weeks.
Thus far, 281 trainees (61 residents and 220 summer research fellows) have participated in the DART program with a 99.6% retention rate. Program evaluation data demonstrate that DART trainees evidence high levels of research participation and productivity, and the majority of program graduates continue to engage in research activities following participation in the DART program. DART trainees have received numerous local and national awards for their research, teaching and clinical excellence and have, thus far, generated 708 manuscripts and 633 conference presentations. DART is supported by an Advisory Board comprised of highly accomplished researchers and leaders in the field of addiction from 14 different U.S. institutions. Members of the Advisory Board contribute by providing seminars, mentorship, and one-on-one career advice to trainees. The multidisciplinary leadership team, strong partnerships with campus-wide initiatives, and a cadre of federally-funded SUD faculty mentors ensures a rich and vibrant training program.

Grant Number: 5R25DA020537-20
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Sudie Back