126 20 YEARS SHAPING A NEW GENERATION OF HISPANIC CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCHERS: UPR-MSC POSTDOCTORAL MASTER IN CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: This project presents the Post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research (MSc) program’s outcomes in 20 years of its implementation. This program is a joint offering between the Schools of Health Professions and School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This study consists of secondary data analysis of academic and administrative documents. It also includes data from the Annual Evaluation retreats reports and an Alumni Follow-up Survey using an electronic questionnaire. All 121 Scholars admitted to the program from academic years 2003 to 2023 were included in the sample. Data analysis included descriptive statistical analysis of quantitative data and qualitative content analysis regarding recruitment/admissions, faculty composition, curriculum design, Scholars’ outcomes, and program’s financial support sources. Quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Scholars of the program had been recruited from the UPR-MSC and several partner institutions with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and research areas. Faculty and committee members have representation from the six MSC-Schools and partner institutions. The academic Program structure has changed over the years, and currently, more than 65% of the courses are offered online. Several financial sources have been identified to support the scholars. The Scholars’ portfolios of grant submission and publication productivity evidence the program’s success. Graduates have also been successful in advancing to positions that foster research impacting Hispanics. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The Post-doctoral Master’s in Clinical and Translational Research program (MSc) has contributed to the formation of committed Hispanic clinical and translational researchers impacting minorities and contributing to diversity in the research workforce.