FORUM, November 1998

One of the keys to doing high quality health services research is to have a dedicated cadre of experienced investigators in the field with knowledge of the VA. We are fortunate in HSR&D in that our previous director, Dr. Daniel Deykin, recognized this and initiated the HSR&D Career Development Program for clinicians. This is a unique opportunity for young men and women interested in a research career to apply for a three-year mentorship program in which their entire salaries are paid by VA Headquarters. It is expected that 75 percent of their time will be devoted to research. Of the initial eight individuals funded in 1989, seven are still with the VA, and all eight have received merit reviewed funding. The one person who left is now Director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at a major medical school and is responsible for staffing the affiliate VA. All have moved into leadership positions in the VA and/or their universities. Since then, an additional 50 clinicians have been accepted into the program. This has been a highly successful program that has helped us build a health services research capacity in the VA. Unfortunately, although the program is open to all clinicians, very few non-physicians have applied. It is my hope that in the future, other clinicians will take advantage of this unique opportunity. I especially would like to see more nurses, social workers and clinical psychologists apply, although all clinicians are welcome to apply. Each new awardee brings a fresh insight and outlook to patient care. I expect that their research will reflect these perspectives and that they, too, will become leaders in the VHA.