Abstract
Problem:
Improving MCH requires academic faculty who apply MCH research, policy and practice skills and who teach the next generation of public health MCH leaders.
Goals and objectives:
The Academic Pipeline Supplement goal is to support postgraduate training to promote career pathways into MCH academic careers. This goal will be accomplished through 4 objectives: Develop and offer postdoctoral fellowship in MCH; Recruit diverse postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty committed to MCH research and practice, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds; Increase skills in MCH research, policy and practice; Provide mentorship to postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty in areas of teaching, curriculum development, and publications.
Methodology:
The Academic Pipeline Supplement, within the Center of Excellence (COE), is supported by an interdisciplinary faculty from multiple health and related disciplines. It will recruit and train postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty in MCH research with efforts linked to MCH public health practice. The COE Advisory Committee will provide guidance to assess progress in meeting objectives. The broad MCH curriculum addresses the National Postdoctoral and MCH Leadership competencies. Each postdoctoral fellow and junior faculty will be assigned a senior faculty research mentor (or senior co-mentor paired with mid-level MCH faculty) with shared research interests and a commitment to supporting the mentee. The mentee's Individualized Development Plan (IDP) and structured mentoring will guide activities. Training includes coursework, professional meetings, presentations, seminars, independent and collaborative research and its translation for diverse audiences. Each trainee will publish at least 2 manuscripts annually. Trainees also will have mentored opportunities for curriculum development and teaching, emphasizing the application of adult learning principles. Trainees will collaborate and network with other MCH postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty at JHU and across the MCH COE programs through activities such as MCH book clubs, writing accountability groups, and scientific review of peer manuscripts.
Coordination:
The COE has strong relationships with MCHB, AMCHP, local and state MCH agencies in Region III, JHU HRSA training programs, the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, Center for Adolescent Health, Urban Health Institute, Early Childhood Services Research Program, Gates Institute, WIC Program and public and private MCH programs.
Evaluation:
Trainees are evaluated by completed IDPs, research projects, publications, course design and teaching, and mentorship of students. Pipeline Supplement databases will be used to evaluate engagement in professional associations, national presentations, grants post training, publications, teaching awards faculty appointments and promotions.