194 Advancing the science and practice of mentorship through a CTSA community of practice

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: This poster describes the scientific rationale, needs assessment, programmatic elements, and impact of a community of practice (CoP) focusing on advancing equity in the science and practice of mentorship. Methods/Study Population: In 2023, the University of Wisconsin Institute for Clinical and Translational Research received NIH R13 funding to host a conference, the Science of Effective Mentorship (Asquith, McDaniels, et.al., 2023). Approximately 150 researchers and program leaders from Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Hubs and beyond attended. Data were collected before, during, and after the conference, providing the authors with an initial idea of community needs. As a result, a mentorship CoP was formed. In the subsequent 18 months, a steering and advisory committee established a program of virtual, topic-focused virtual events every 3 months as well as a community website, with increasing attendance and utilization. A survey was disseminated after the completion of one year, and a focus group was held during the last virtual gathering. Results/Anticipated Results: The demand for infrastructure to support a national community of practice will be demonstrated. The demographic and positional diversity (e.g. role within a CTSA Hub) will highlight the opportunities of convening this diverse community. Organizational challenges and opportunities will be highlighted. Assessment data will reveal the broad range of needs and interests of participants. Aggregate demographic, professional, and participation data about community of practice members will be shared, as well as the governance and programmatic elements of this community of practice. Evaluation results from the first year of activity will be displayed. Needs for sustainability will be discussed. Discussion/Significance of Impact: CoPs are not new in the CTR space. Membership in a CoP may reduce isolation individuals feel as they negotiate the important work of equity in the biomedical workforce. Members of this community of practice share the expertise and commitment to promoting equity in the biomedical workforce through supporting robust culture of mentorship.