The UCSF Learning Health System (LHS) Embedded Scientist Training and Research (E-STAR) Center Scholars program is a new 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 7 E-STAR Scholars to complete a 1-year training program that begins July 1, 2024.
• 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 and faculty at UCSF (or its affiliates) 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 2024)  

• 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 sytsem 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/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.
• Research Stipend. $24,700 per year (to be used for project support, course tution, etc.)
   

  

Application Steps

1. Identify a pre-approved embedded research project area with one of the health system sponsors that aligns with your LHS research interests or an initiative that you devise with a sponsor.
2. Email the LHS E-STAR health system liaisons to discuss your interest. Ralph Gonzales (UCSF Health); Josue Zapata (SFVAMC); Delphine Tuot (ZSFG).
3. Submit the following to the E-STAR Application:

• Select your 1st, 2nd, and 3^rd choices for projects or detail the scholar led initiative.
• 1-page description of your 1^st choice improvement initiative or scholar led initiative that includes specific aims, approach, data sources, and the Scholar's role on the project team
• CV or resume
• Brief personal statement, including why you are interested in this program and how your background, experiences, and/or research interests contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion in health care
• List of relevant clinical research courses completed
• For fellows and faculty, Department Chair or Division Chief letter of support confirming salary support for minimum 40% protected time to participate in the program
• For residents, Program Director letter of support confirming protected time