What is the PMRTP and how can it assist a minority research trainee in the field of psychiatry?

Program Goals - The program is designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority men and women in the field of psychiatric research. Research training offers the opportunity to engage in exciting, pioneering scientific investigation across the full array of disciplines, from basic neuroscience, genetics, and pharmacology to the cognitive behavioral, and social sciences, clinical psychiatry, and mental health services research. Research exposure can help students and trainees develop sound skills for clinical assessment and treatment planning.

Who is Eligible - The program provides funding for short and long-term training opportunities at three levels: Medical School, Residency and Post-residency. National competitions also enable qualified "mini-fellows" to attend research-oriented meetings of psychiatric organizations. Preference in selection is given to underrepresented minorities such as American Indians, Asian-Americans, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, or other ethnic or racial group members found to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research. The PMRTP is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and is administered by the American Psychiatric Association.

Other Information About the PMRTP Training Opportunities Available
Medical Students can receive support for full-time training during an elective period such as two- to six- month rotations or as a summer experience. Residents may engage in full-year research training during the last year of psychiatric residency or in "year off" research training. Graduates of Residency Programs can undertake full-time research training fellowships in an area of psychiatric research including schizophrenia, neuroscience, epidemiology, mood disorders, child psychiatry, cross cultural issues, etc.

Training Sites - Training takes place at research-intensive departments of psychiatry in major U.S. medical schools and at other appropriate sites. A research mentor at the site is responsible for overseeing the applicant's research training experience. Training sites with excellence as demonstrated by research facilities and resources, funded research, research faculty (including minority researchers), and successful training history are considered preferable. The American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education (APIRE) publishes a Directory of Research Fellowship Opportunities in Psychiatry, which contains up-to-date listings for programs in which formal psychiatry post-residency training is the principal focus. The PMRTP also relies on an extensive "mentor network" of faculty representing major medical schools throughout the country who help guide trainees through their research experiences.

Length of Research Training - Training should involve a substantial research experience as part of an overall plan of research career development under the guidance of an experienced mentor. For medical students and residents, the duration can be two months to one year. For post-residency fellows, the duration is generally two years. A third year of fellowship support may be available if appropriate to a trainee's career development.

Types of Support Available - Support from PMRTP fall into three categories: stipends, travel, and tuition and fees. Stipends are based on the trainee's years of relevant experience and the length of the research training experience. Current full-year equivalents are $20,772 for medical students, $45,048 to $46,992 for residents and up to $51,036 for post-residency fellows. Stipends for shorter periods of time are prorated. Trainees can not receive funds from another federal source at the same time; however, stipends may be augmented through nonfederal sources. Travel funds are available on a limited basis for full-time trainees and "mini-fellows" to travel to the APA annual meeting or to the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology meeting. Limited tuition assistance is available for full-time trainees to attend specific courses that are required as part of their training.

Trainees who are interested in applying are encouraged to contact the PMRTP office to receive the criteria for selection and the application materials appropriate to their level of education. Trainees also will be required to provide the following items:

• Identify an area of research interest
• Institution where training will take place
• Name of mentor at training site responsible for overseeing the training
• Complete an application form
• Design a research training plan
• Prepare a budget with their mentor
• Write an essay
• One or more letters of recommendation

As part of the application process, mentors will be asked to provide information about themselves, about the training site, and about plans for the applicant's training. Mentors also must agree to give at least one hour per week of individual supervision to the trainee during the research training experience.

Selection Process - A ten member Advisory Committee made up of distinguished researchers and academicians reviews applications according to selection criteria that are supplied to candidates and mentors. Applicants for full-year fellowships will be interviewed by an Advisory Committee member by telephone or in person. In addition, interviews may be required of other candidates

Deadlines - The deadlines for training under the PMRTP depend on the trainee's level of training and the length of proposed training. Residents seeking a year or more of training and post- resident fellows should apply by December 1. Interviews will be required of all post-residency applicants and may be required of residents. Medical students and residents seeking less than one year of training should apply three months before the proposed training is to begin. Summer medical students who will start their training by June 30 should apply by April 1. Deadlines for "mini-fellows" vary and are specified when a competition is announced.

Announcement of Awards - Candidates at the medical school and residency levels are notified about the outcome of their application shortly after the PMRTP Advisory Committee convenes and makes a final decision. Candidates for post-residency fellowships are notified at the end of February. The timetable for notification for "mini-fellows" is announced along with the competition.

For more information, write to:
Program for Minority Research Training in Psychiatry
American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education
1000 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 1825
Arlington, VA 22209-3901

Or call the following numbers:
1-800-852-1390 or (703) 907-8622
E-mail: eguerra@psych.org  

The Program for Minority Research Training in Psychiatry is administered by the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education and is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.