Ensuring the future of otitis media research: Interest in and feasibility of a mentoring network program within the otitis media research community
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
9-1-2023
Journal
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
Volume
172
DOI
10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111693
Keywords
Diversity; Mentoring; Network; Otitis media; Research workforce; Survey
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of the implementation of a mentoring network program based on expressed interest and the diverse composition of the otitis media research community in order to address attrition of the scientific workforce. METHODS: An online survey was sent to basic, translational, and clinical researchers with a known interest in otitis media. RESULTS: Of 509 eligible participants, 119 (23.4%) responded to the survey. Survey respondents had a diverse background by completed education, current job description, and membership in an underrepresented group in science. Most faculty respondents (76.4%) were willing to participate in the proposed program as mentors and faculty lecturers, or had early-career researchers or trainees in their research group who were willing to participate as mentees in the mentoring network. Scientific and non-scientific topics for inclusion in the training program were ranked, with immunology and inflammation, microbiology, science leadership and collaboration, mentoring, and grantsmanship as main foci of interest among respondents. CONCLUSION: Our survey results showed enthusiastic participation among responding otitis media researchers, indicating the feasibility of implementing a mentoring network program that will address workforce attrition, particularly among underrepresented groups in science.
APA Citation
Ziniel, Sonja I.; Preciado, Diego; Lee, Rita; Kerschner, Joseph E.; Ryan, Allen F.; and Santos-Cortez, Regie Lyn, "Ensuring the future of otitis media research: Interest in and feasibility of a mentoring network program within the otitis media research community" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 3482.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/3482
Department
Surgery