While in the program, VPCAT strongly encourages scholars to take advantage of multiple career, leadership, and research developmental opportunities. By taking advantage of the following unique opportunities, scholars are better prepared to transition to independence.

Curriculum 
The VPCAT Research Scholars Program provides a structured, two-year curriculum designed to advance early-career faculty toward independent funding and leadership in clinical and translational research. The curriculum is grounded in the program’s three key mission themes: scientific career development, grant writing and management, and leadership. 

Formal curricular sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month (12:30–4:30 pm). Sessions include scientific career development and leadership courses taught by senior leaders across campus as well as grant writing and management courses led by the VPCAT Research Staff Mentoring Team. Additionally, the curriculum includes peer discussions facilitated by the VPCAT Alumni Advisory Board and a series of interactive, skills-based workshops designed to reinforce practical application of course content. 

Additional Resources
All VPCAT supported resources and instructions on how to begin utilizing them are located in the VPCAT Scholar Handbook. In addition, below is a summary of available resources. Please contact us if you have further questions.  

1. VPCAT Grant Repository
2. Methodological and data analytic support through the Utah Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Translational Research: Implementation, Analysis, & Design (TRIAD)  
3. Course offerings through the Utah CTSI's Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) Program
4. Grant Writing Portal (see here)
5. VPCAT travel stipend for up to 2 scholars to attend the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) annual Translational Science national conference (see stipend opportunity details here)
6. Utah CTSI annual Translational Research Trainee Symposium (see here)
7. Utah CTSI K-Club (see here)
8. Utah CTSI Peer Grant Review (PGR) Program
9. Clinical Research and Methods (CRAM) Lunch and Seminars
10. VPR Research Education (REd) Courses
11. University of Utah Office for Faculty Development's Leadership Programs (see here)