(NRMP program code 1256400C1)

The Research Track aims to train the next generation of physician-scientist leaders in psychiatry. To achieve this goal, the Research Track offers significant individualized mentorship, resources and financial support, and additional protected time throughout four years of residency.

Scientific discovery is propelled by a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are therefore essential to the mission of BIDMC and the Research Track. We especially encourage individuals with under-represented identities, including race, gender, and sexual orientation, to apply.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Research Track Director Dr. Roscoe Brady.

Resources & Financial Support

Research Track residents will be eligibile for up to $20,000 per year in departmental funds for research-related expenses, which may include coursework, conference attendance, research costs (i.e. equipment, research assistant, subject payment, lab testing, imaging, etc.), publication fees, etc. These funds are available to research track residents in all four years of the residency.

Research Track residents will have full access to the extensive research infrastructure present at BIDMC and Harvard Medical School. This includes the wide array of resources available through Harvard Catalyst, a NIH-funded Clinicaland Translational Science Award Consortium center dedicated to improving human health by enabling collaboration and providing resources to clinical and translational investigators across the Harvard institutions. Harvard Catalyst provides synergy between the participating institutions by helping investigators locate tools, equipment, collaborators, and expertise; and providing training, career development, and funding for young investigators as well as bioinformatics and biostatistical consultation.

Given the significant research time provided in PGY-4, Research Track residents will have the opportunity to apply for the NIH Loan Repayment Program, which offers up to $50,000 per year in loan repayment for individuals conducting at least 20 hours of research per week at a non-profit institution. Our trainees have received NIH LRP awards for their research.

Mentorship

BIDMC and Harvard Medical School are internationally-recognized academic centers that emphasize a strong scientific environment to ensure the success of collaborative research. These institutions have an outstanding track-record of commitment to clinical and translational research and have been instrumental in groundbreaking advances in psychiatry and neuroscience through projects supported by the NIH. BIDMC and Harvard Medical School boast world leaders in psychiatry and neuroscience who are readily accessible to our residents.

Research Track residents will receive personalized mentorship from our own faculty members. Residents may also collaborate with investigators across Harvard Medical School-affiliated institutions. Residents will be mentored on project development, including grantsmanship, study design, regulatory approvals, data collection and analysis, publication, and presentation, as well as research ethics and career development.

Protected Time

Research Track residents will be provided with significant additional protected time for their research throughout the residency. Protected time will increase across the training and will be flexible based on the research project needs of the individual resident. Protected time will begin in the PGY1 or PGY2 year. In the PGY-3 year, residents will have up to 55% (25 hours per week) protected research time (including scholarly project time). In the PGY-4 year, residents will have up to 65% (30 hours) protected research time (including scholarly project time). Residents will also be provided with protected time to present their work at scientific meetings.

Career Development – Residency & Beyond

BIDMC and Harvard Medical School-affiliated institutions offer significant research awards following residency to support early career investigators in their transition to independence. Our residents and fellows have a track record of receiving research funding, including the Dupont Warren Fellowship, Zinberg Fellowship, Livingston Fellowship, Harvard Catalyst KL2/CMeRIT, NARSAD Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Award, and Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation Fellowship in the Clinical Neurosciences. Graduates of the BIDMC Psychiatry Residency have also gone on to receive NIH K23 Career Development Awards.