The Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI): Developing workforce capacity for health disparities research

• DOI: 10.1017/cts.2017.6
• Publication Date: 2017-06-19T01:53:01Z
• Authors: James Butler; Craig S. Fryer; Earlise Ward; Katelyn Westaby; Alexandra Adams; Sarah L. Esmond; Mary A. Garza; Janice A. Hogle; Linda M. Scholl; Sandra C. Quinn; Stephen B. Thomas; Christine A. Sork...
• Keywords: Equity

Efforts to address health disparities and achieve equity are critically dependent on the development of a diverse research workforce. However, many researchers from underrepresented backgrounds face challenges in advancing their careers, securing independent funding, finding mentorship needed expand research.Faculty University Maryland at College Park Wisconsin-Madison developed evaluated an intensive week-long career-development institute-the Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI)-with goal increasing number scholars who can sustain ongoing commitment research.In 2010-2016, HELI brought 145 (78% background; 81% female) together engage with each other learn supportive faculty. Overall, scholar feedback was highly positive all survey items, average agreement ratings 4.45-4.84 based 5-point Likert scale. Eighty-five percent remain academic positions. In first three cohorts, 73% participants have been promoted 23% secured federal funding.HELI includes evidence-based curriculum develop workforce for research. For those institutions interested implementing such institute support early stage investigators, resource toolbox is provided.