175 The importance of interdisciplinary synergy in TL1 trainees – the University of Minnesota (UMN) model

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: The University of Minnesota’s two-year TL1 program provides flexible and individualized education and training for a diverse cohort of scholars committed to pursuing impactful careers in clinical and translational science (CTS). The program aims to strengthen the nation’s biomedical workforce by developing scientists skilled in clinical and translational research. Methods/Study Population: The TL1 program recruits PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows from a wide variety of graduate programs in colleges and departments across the University. To date, we have trained 26 predoctoral and 9 postdoctoral Scholars in 3 cohorts. Scholars represent dozens of disciplines and the full translational spectrum. These interdisciplinary cohorts are in a unique position to realize the fundamental characteristics of a translational scientist. Entrance/exit surveys and exit interviews provide program leadership with information for quality improvement and areas scholars believe contribute the most to their education and training in CTS. Results/Anticipated Results: Entrance/exit surveys indicated Scholar-perceived benefits of training in an interdisciplinary program, including growth in translational scientist characteristics (e.g., Boundary Crosser, Team Player). Exit interviews showed Scholars appreciated the cohort model bringing together trainees from many different research areas. They valued exposure to varied perspectives, talking through challenges and solutions with each other, and learning others shared similar issues. They valued the Scholar community they developed. Several felt siloed in their careers before the program and reported that TL1 participation connected them to others outside their own area of focus, expanded their knowledge about different research methods and revealed more pathways for translation. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Recruiting and training a diverse interdisciplinary cohort of pre- and postdoctoral TL1 Scholars promoted synergy in translational research, science skills and competencies, and transformed the perspectives of Scholars’ views on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate science.