Launched in 2016, the APM Foundation Research Professor Program was developed in memory of Dr. Wayne Katon, APM president 2012-13, his contribution to research, and to the mentoring of young researchers. It aims to bring leading researchers to the annual meeting and provide research mentorship to early career researchers. It is administered by the Academy's Research & Evidence-Based Practice (REBP) Committee.
There are two complementary awards with separate application processes:
The overall objectives of the awards are to promote interest in psychosomatic medicine/consultation-liaison psychiatry research, and to support the development of emerging talent in the field. A maximum of three mentees will be selected each year.
APM Foundation Research Professor Award
Candidate Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate a substantial research achievement background in an area relevant to psychosomatic medicine/consultation-liaison psychiatry; a proven track record as a mentor; and a willingness to accept the responsibilities of the role, which are:
- Presenting a lecture (or equivalent) at the "Research for Researchers" session at the annual meeting
- Presenting up to one additional lecture, if requested by the Academy's Annual Meeting Program Committee
- Face-to-face mentoring of selected mentees at the Academy's upcoming annual meeting
- Organizing and maintaining regular contact (every other month is recommended) with assigned mentees for the duration of the program (phone, video-call, or other preferred/suitable means)
- Concluding the program by submitting a summary report on mentee interactions to the APM Council by November 1 of the year following selection
Award: Complimentary registration to the annual meeting and $10,000 to cover costs to attend the meeting, with the remaining balance provided as an honorarium. The program starts at the annual meeting and concludes on October 31 of the following year.
Lydia Chwastiak, MD, MPH, FAPM, Associate Professor, University of Washington, is the 2017 Research Professor. Dr. Chwastiak's most important work has been to draw attention to the health disparities experienced by persons living with serious mental illness. Her current NIH-funded research involves the development and evaluation of innovative collaborative care interventions for diabetes and depression in low- and middle-income countries, and also for vulnerable populations living with serious and persistent mental illness in the US.
Dr. Chwastiak's full bio is at http://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/lydia-chwastiak.
Mentee candidates are advised to carefully review Dr. Chwastiak's research interests and indicate on the application why you believe she would be a good match for you and your work/career.
Early Career Researcher Mentee Award
 The first participants in the APM Foundation Research Professor Program, from left: EC Mentee Joseph Cerimele, MD; Research Professor Kurt Kroenke, MD; EC Mentee Hsiang Huang, MD; EC Mentee Mark Oldham, MD |
Candidate Criteria:
- Demonstration of current research activity
- Willingness and ability to effectively use research mentorship
- Optional Academy membership; no geographical limitations
Expectations of awardees:
- Attend the entirety of the upcoming Academy annual meeting
- Actively participate in the upcoming Academy annual meeting, including research sessions
- Participate in face-to-face mentoring meetings with the Research Professor
Award:
- Up to four (4) hotel nights
- Complimentary annual meeting registration
- US $500 stipend to offset travel costs
- The priceless personal time and networking connection with a leading figure of the profession
2016 RECIPIENTS of the APM Foundation Research Professor Program Awards
Research Professor:
Kurt Kroenke, MD, Professor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine
Research Mentees:
Joseph Cerimele, MD, University of Washington School of Medicine
Hsiang Huang, MD, Cambridge Health Alliance
Mark Oldham, MD, Yale School of Medicine
HOW TO APPLY for the APM Foundation Research Professor Program
Research Professor:
Nominations are submitted online using the Research Professor Nomination form by June 30. The professor is selected by both the Foundation of the APM and the Academy's Research Subcommittee. The professor is funded by the Foundation.
Research Mentees:
Applications for this award open only when the research professor is announced, which is expected by Friday, July 14, 2017. Once the submission process opens on Saturday, July 15, the online Early Career Researcher Mentee Application is accepted through 11:59pm EDT Monday, July 31.
The application includes space for a statement, of no more than 750 words, of your current area of research interest. Detail how you think you would benefit from the year-long mentoring relationship and why this mentor would be a good match for you and your work/career.
Applications will be assessed by the Academy’s Research & Evidence-Based Practice (R&EBP) Committee in collaboration with the mentor. Selected candidates will be notified by August 31.