The NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory is welcoming its first class of fellows in a new program for early-career investigators from underrepresented or minoritized groups with a scholarly interest in pragmatic clinical trials.
“We are very excited to welcome the 2 inaugural fellows to the NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory Fellowship Program and give them the education and tools that they need to launch their careers as pragmatic clinical trials investigators,” said Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, cochair of the NIH Collaboratory’s Fellowship Program and Health Equity Core.
Dr. Stephanie Ibemere is an assistant professor in the Duke University School of Nursing. Dr. Ibemere will work closely with the Implementation Science Core and the GRACE NIH Collaboratory Trial team during her fellowship year.
Dr. Kaitlyn McLeod is a resident physician in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Colorado. Dr. McLeod will work closely with the Health Equity Core and the Nudge NIH Collaboratory Trial team during her fellowship year.
“We are delighted that Stephanie and Kaitlyn are joining the NIH Collaboratory as fellows, and we look forward to the insights they will bring to the Cores and NIH Collaboratory Trials,” said Dr. Kevin Weinfurt, co–principal investigator of the Coordinating Center and cochair of the new Fellowship Program.
During the 1-year fellowship, which began July 1, 2023, fellows will become members of the NIH Collaboratory program and have access to a wide range of activities and opportunities. Fellows will be active participants in a Core Working Group that aligns with their interests and will also be given education on the fundamentals of designing and conducting successful pragmatic clinical trials.
Working with a NIH Collaboratory Trial investigator mentor and a Core leadership mentor from the NIH Collaboratory, each fellow will complete a project that contributes to the field of pragmatic trials, resulting in a new publishable product or resource. In addition, fellows will participate in the following activities:
- Regular presentations and discussions with experienced pragmatic trial investigators and leaders in the field
- Individualized coursework and mentorship
- Guided research program
- Professional development training
- Presentation and publication opportunities
- Training on health equity as it relates to pragmatic trials
Ibemere and McLeod joined leaders from the NIH Collaboratory and their mentors for a welcome and orientation meeting on July 6 to kick off their fellowship year.