VPCAT Program FAQs

What is the VPCAT Program?

• The VPCAT Program is a two-year program that provides leadership competencies, intensive mentorship, research knowledge, and practical skills to become an effective clinical or translational researcher.
• The Overview of Formal Participation in the VPCAT Program details program participation and the formal agreement that all parties adhere to, including guidelines for service obligations, responsibilities, fixed costs, and potential benefits of participation.
• The VPCAT Scholar Handbook outlines the program’s purpose and policies, scholar/mentor requirements, development and resource support, and pre-award and grant management mentorship.
• As outlined in the VPCAT Scholar Handbook, the program offers:
  • Curriculum sessions that are held on the second and fourth Wednesday afternoons of each month, ten months of the year, and scholars must attend at least 80% of them. Our objective is to provide scholars with a cohesive learning experience that will expand their skills and understanding necessary to achieve their career goals. Scholars receive integrated material that enhances personal and professional development in multiple formats, including didactic, hands-on, example-based, and facilitated open discussion. The curriculum’s structure offers a wide variety of knowledge and training aligned with our three key mission themes: 1) Leadership, 2) Scientific Career Development, and 3) Grant Writing and Management.
  • Financial support for methodological and data analytic support; career, leadership, and research developmental opportunities; data service fee (on a case-by-case basis); the Department of Pediatrics hosted Grant Writing Workshop; and more. 
  • Personalized pre-award and grant management mentorship in conjunction your departmental Pre- and Post-Award Administrators. 

What are the expectations for scholars who participate in this program?

• We encourage scholars to get as involved in the program as they can. The more you put into the program, the more you’ll get out of it.
• We outline specific expectations in the Overview of Formal Participation in the VPCAT Program and the VPCAT Scholar Handbook.

When does the VPCAT Program start/finish?

• The VPCAT Program runs from January 1 to December 31 of the following year.

What and when is VPCAT Orientation?

• VPCAT Orientation is a one-and-a-half-day event that includes the required orientation, as well as the annual graduating capstone ceremony.
• We generally hold orientation on the second Monday and Tuesday morning of December.