The UCSF Learning Health System (LHS) Embedded Scientist Training and Research (E-STAR) Center Scholars program is a training opportunity for scholars at UCSF to work with health system and community partners to conduct research projects embedded in healthcare delivery systems. 

The goal of the E-STAR Center is to develop a diverse workforce of leaders to engage with health systems and community stakeholders to conduct embedded LHS research that improves healthcare quality, equity, and patient-centered outcomes. The program is funded jointly by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). UCSF is one of 16 LHS Centers for Excellence.

Program period

• UCSF will support E-STAR Scholars to complete a 1-year training program that begins July 1.
• A 2nd year is possible with re-application in March of the following year.

Eligibility

• Health professions learners during a funded research year (residents & fellows), postdoctoral fellows, faculty, administrative leaders and health professionals at UCSF, UCSF Health, Zuckerburg San Francisco Hospital, San Francisco Health Network, SF Veterans Administration Medical Center, UCSF Fresno, or affiliated hospitals and clinics in Northern California are eligible.
• Scholar must have at least 40% protected time throughout the year to devote to embedded research project implementation, training program participation and dissemination of findings.
• Scholar must apply in partnership with a health system improvement project or initiative that has been reviewed and approved by the E-STAR Center program.

Prerequisite courses

(Can be completed with E-STAR Scholar stipend during Summer 2025)

• Epi 202. UCSF Designing Clinical Research Course or equivalent
• Biostat 212. Intro to Statistical Computing in Clinical Research or equivalent
• Epi 201. Responsible Conduct of Research or equivalent
• Epi 232. Introduction to Clinical Informatics or equivalent
   

E-STAR Scholar Training Program elements

Health System partnership

Scholars gain experience conducting LHS research in partnership with health system leaders in high-priority areas.

Training

Each scholar cohort (7-10 people) will receive LHS-specific research and training and education through an LHS workshop, LHS engagement science seminar series, and LHS grand rounds. They will also have access to courses offered through the Training in Clinical Research program using their research stipend funds.

Mentorship and career development

Each scholar will have a health system sponsor, an LHS research mentor, and a program advisor.

Bimonthly Works-in-Progress seminars

These are a required activity for E-STAR scholars. Facilitated by E-STAR faculty, WIPs
will provide a critical forum for supporting each scholar's research project
design/implementation/evaluation through input and feedback from co-scholars and
faculty, and for obtaining research and career mentorship.