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Developing scientists in Hispanic substance use and health disparities research through the creation of a national mentoring network |
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| Authors: | Angela R Bazzi Cristina Mogro-Wilson Nalini Junko Negi Jennifer M Reingle Gonzalez Miguel Ángel Cano Yessenia Castro |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USAabazzi@bu.edu;3. School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, West Hartford, CT, USA;4. School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA;5. Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA;6. Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health &7. Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA;8. School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA |
| Abstract: | Hispanics are disproportionately affected by substance use and related health harms yet remain underrepresented across scientific disciplines focused on researching and addressing these issues. An interdisciplinary network of scientists committed to fostering the development of social and biomedical researchers focused on Hispanic substance use and health disparities developed innovative mentoring and career development activities. We conducted a formative evaluation study using anonymous membership and conference feedback data to describe specific mentoring and career development activities developed within the national network. Successful mentoring initiatives and career development activities were infused with cultural and community values supportive of professional integration and persistence. Mentoring initially occurred within an annual national conference and was then sustained throughout the year through formal training programs and informal mentoring networks. Although rigorous evaluation is needed to determine the success of these strategies in fostering long-term career development among scientists conducting Hispanic health and substance use research, this innovative model may hold promise for other groups committed to promoting career development and professional integration and persistence for minority (and non-minority) scientists committed to addressing health disparities. |
| Keywords: | Mentoring formative evaluation substance use health disparities |