180 Interdisciplinary learning meets translational science: The Puerto Rico Health Justice Center’s role in empowering graduate students in doing trauma-informed and victim-centered research

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: Develop trauma-informed, victim-centered care skills. Foster student-led, translational research on trauma and victim services engage students in public policy and public health engagement support professional growth through research presentation and publication. Methods/Study Population: A review of the 2018–2021 mentorship program that engaged ten graduate students from diverse institutions (seven from San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, one from Interamerican University, one from UPR-Medical Sciences Campus, and one from Ponce Health Sciences University). Students participated in trauma-informed and victim-centered research projects focusing on sexual violence, child abuse, and victim services. They were mentored by Dr. Linda Laras and Dr. Linda Pérez at the Puerto Rico Health Justice Center, receiving hands-on experience through case discussions, literature review, research design, data collection, and presentations at the Start By Believing Symposium. Results/Anticipated Results: From 2018 to 2021, students developed trauma-informed care skills and conducted research on topics such as therapy dogs in courtrooms, victim services, and the impact of child sexual abuse. The results of this mentorship program included a publication in Cureus (10.7759/cureus.13644) and presentations at the Start By Believing Symposium, attended by legal and community professionals. The Fundación Intellectus Sexual Violence Research Scholarship was awarded, and the research earned award winning posters at multiple symposiums, including the SJBSM Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This mentorship translates trauma-informed research into real-world applications for sexual violence intervention. Medical students gain practical skills to address trauma in residency, while public health students shape policy. These research efforts have resulted in best practices and policy changes in Puerto Rico.