Framework for Mentoring HIV Disparities Researchers Based on Productivity Data

Signature Grand, Davie, Florida, USA

In an era of significant biomedical advances for the treatment of HIV, health disparities have persisted. Health disparities are complex and entail diverse challenges, including conducting research close to affected communities. Mentoring minority researchers becomes and essential element, since they bring perspectives and solutions that might be different from the mainstream. Based on the engagement and productivity data collected in the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Center for the Study of HIV Disparities (PR-CCHD a multifaceted mentoring approach has been developed. During the presentation, the mentoring model and the data supporting it will be discussed. This approach is based on the understanding that mentoring is a process in which mentors and mentees advance their commitment while inspiring, enabling, and empowering each other. Mentoring goes beyond one-to-one partnerships. The 3 facets of the approach are: a) multi-institutional collaborations, b) cross-disciplinary research teams; and b) continuous competency training. Activities, such as retreats, institutes, methodology workshops, abstract marathons, and idea seminars are geared to the acquisition of the competencies needed for conducting research. Strategies foster collaboration, in which mentors with different methodological approaches to health disparities participate. The accomplishments include the formation of 8 interdisciplinary and multi-institutional teams; development of culturally adapted instruments and interventions, 90% retention of researchers; 90%- 100% attendance in training activities; three-fold increase in researchers; 100% retention of mentors from 15 universities and research centers; 70% of the researchers developed a career plan. Research outcomes illustrate how each mentoring facet enhances the possibility of local research contributing to reducing HIV disparities. Grants. This work has been supported by the Puerto Rico- Comprehensive Center for the Study of HIV Disparities funded by NCRR 5U54RR019507-05.