Program helps train next generation of rare disease clinicians

A unique set of skills is required for rare disease researchers. A new training program combines the distinctive skills of investigators across multiple specialties and backgrounds with general skills focused on leadership, mentorship, and collaboration in the hopes of developing new rare disease clinician investigators.

The Rare Disease Research Scholars Program (RDRSP) was developed by the NIH-funded Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network to identify and assess the needs in rare disease research (RDR).

The yearlong program includes in-person, web-based, synchronous, and asynchronous learning. Data from 4 years of the program demonstrated statistically significant in several pre- and post-measures including improved knowledge content in RDR; enhanced self-efficacy in clinical research; and intent to remain in the field of RDR.

Program participants were also found to have developed research skills in addition to ‘soft skills.’

Reference
Regier DS, Weaver JA, Cheng N, et al. The Rare Disease Research Scholars Program: A training curriculum for clinical researchers with mixed methods evaluation study. Transl Sci Rare Dis. 2022;6(1-2):1-11. doi: 10.3233/TRD-210051. PMID: 35601643; PMCID: PMC9108859.