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Experiences in Research Career Mentoring in PT. Anthony Delitto, PT, Ph.D, FAPTA Professor and Chair Department of Physical Therapy, SHRS University of Pittsburgh. What is the goal?. What are the institution's goals? Are these goals feasible given the environment
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Experiences in Research Career Mentoring in PT Anthony Delitto, PT, Ph.D, FAPTA Professor and Chair Department of Physical Therapy, SHRS University of Pittsburgh
What is the goal? • What are the institution's goals? • Are these goals feasible given the environment • If no, then what are the barriers and can they be overcome?
Meshing interests and resources • Most of the time, it’s the individual that has to accommodate
Example • Recruit: Assistant Professor, tenure stream, doctoral training in ACL rehabilitation, non-operative • Supportive environment at University level, but paucity of funded researchers in ACL rehabilitation • Questionable funding opportunities at NIH level
Solution • Expand area of interest to knee OA instead of ACL • Previous work remains germane • Offers a whole new approach to management of knee OA (translation: Innovation) • Pertinent to a much larger segment of society • Impact: Knee OA versus ACL Injury
Solution • NIH is much more interested in knee OA • Still excellent supportive environment at University level (Rheumatology, Orthopaedics) • Greater chance for meaningful collaboration (funded MAC, Knee OA Initiative, etc.)
Result • Local Arthritis Foundation funding (1styear of tenure stream) • National Arthritis Foundation funding (2ndyear) • National Foundation for PT funding (2ndYear) • 1st submission, NIH (3rd year) • 2nd submission, NIH (5th year)
Result • Fitzgerald GK, PI: Knee stability training in individuals with knee OA. NIAMS 4 years; $1,425,000.00
Result • Tenure
Issues to consider • When to start the clock • Value of Post doc or some degree of previous work with mentors • Weathering the storm at NIH • Changing or modifying the interests of faculty members • To meet NIH priorities • To meet university and community needs