Developing workforce capacity for disparities research: The Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI)

The annual Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI) is an intensive weeklong “research boot camp” focused on increasing the number of investigators, particularly minority investigators, engaged in health disparities research to achieve health equity. HELI is a partnership between the Collaborative Center for Health Equity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. HELI targets junior faculty in an effort to increase the likelihood of their promotion and tenure at health science research institutions. From 2010 to 2012, 80 participants completed the HELI. We present data generated from a mixed-methods approach to evaluate three HELI cohorts. Data collection methods included, but were not limited to: feedback cards, electronic surveys, and scholar talk-back sessions. Data highlight several themes for successful research career development. For example, HELI scholars identified the significance of understanding appropriate grant mechanisms, gaining grant writing skills, and obtaining research funding. Grant writing sessions consistently scored high (1.17 and 1.48 on 1-5 scale) on its applicability to scholars' research and career development. Another high priority area was building a social support network and knowing the difference between a mentor and a tormentor. Scholars requested training on how to build a foundation of trust needed for conducting successful community engagement and research. Networking, time management, strategies for tenure and promotion, and a need for personal gratification were also key areas for successful career advancement. Recommendations are presented for improving institutional response to the needs of minority investigators and developing workforce capacity to address health disparities.