Hostname: page-component-669899f699-rg895 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-04-25T15:41:29.116Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

8 A decade of excellence and impact: The UCLA Clinical And Translational Science Institute – Research Associates Program (CTSI-RAP)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 April 2025

Laurie Shaker-Irwin
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Jim Morrison
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Tiffany Chen
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Omar Selim
Affiliation:
(Johns Hopkins University)
Brisa Garcia
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Denise Gellene
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Angshuman Saha
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Noah Federman
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Objectives/Goals: The impact of the program on alumni students was measured in a 2023 survey, which assessed key factors and student perspectives on motivation to apply/remain in the program, their engagement activities, how they used the skills acquired in RAP upon graduating, and if they were currently serving in a health profession and/or clinical research. Methods/Study Population: Survey questions were based upon specific components of CTSI-RAP that make it unique. Covered topics related to motivation for participation, meaningful experiences, program effectiveness, future use of RAP knowledge/training, and current career roles in the health professions and/or clinical research. The survey was built and analyzed in REDCap and deployed May–July 2023. The study received exempt certification from the IRB. The survey was sent to 123 alumni from the 2013 to 2021 cohorts. Bounced e-mails were followed up on and two reminder e-mails were sent to initial non-responders. Identifiable demographic information was separated from program evaluation questions for analysis. A subanalysis was performed to determine program impact on students who identified as underserved or disadvantaged. Results/Anticipated Results: Respondents included 82/123 (66.7%) alumni. The survey took approximately 15 minutes. Most of the students 64/82 (78.0%) had 1 year or less research experience. The top three motivating factors for joining the RAP program were gaining clinical research experience, exposure to healthcare settings, and interest in pursuing a healthcare related career. Most alumni rated the overall effectiveness of the RAP program as very or somewhat valuable and the majority felt that the program ranked high or very high among their undergraduate experiences. The program was very influential or influential in defining their long-term plans and goals. Just under half felt that their career aspirations were changed or influenced by the program, which was especially true for those who identified as underserved/disadvantaged. Discussion/Significance of Impact: CTSI-RAP alumni highly value their experience in the program. They have benefitted professionally and are motivated to keep their connection to the program alive. With a decade of clinical research excellence and programming, CTSI-RAP’s impact is well established as a proven model benefiting both students and the clinical research infrastructure.

Type
Education, Career Development and Workforce Development
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. The Association for Clinical and Translational Science