Structure

Finding a Mentor

Through our mentor matching program, as well as ongoing discussions with PRP leadership, you will be connected with a mentor who is well equipped to guide your project selection and promote your individual research development. 

Time for Research

Protected research time is essential for PRP residents to develop an exciting research project, learn new research methods, present results at national conferences, and publish manuscripts. You can expect the following research time during your training:
 

• PGY1: Time available during rotations at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and the VA for you to meet with potential mentors, attend lab meetings, plan research projects, and more.
• PGY2: Fully protected (100% time) 10-week research block. 
• PGY3: Fully protected 50% time (2.5 weekdays) for research.
• PGY4 (or PGY5 for Child Track): Fully protected 80% time (4 weekdays) for research.

Sample PGY3 Schedule

"One of the highlights during my PGY2 year was the opportunity to participate in the Psychiatry Research Pathway's 10-week research elective. The dedicated research time allowed me to immerse myself fully back into my research routines, reconnect with my curiosities, and refuel my excitement for running experiments. I was able to complete a small set of experiments that supplemented one of our residency graduate K-award fellow's research Aims, which gave me the opportunity to co-author a publication. I found the time to be productive, and it served as a launching point that generated more questions and ideas, which I have continued to pursue since." - Shinnyi (Cindy) Chou, MD, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry) 

Financial Support

All PRP residents are guaranteed up to $20,000 for research expenses during residency, with the opportunity for additional funds amount based on specific research needs. You can use funds towards conference travel, research equipment (e.g., a laptop), statistical software, etc. 

Career Development and Networking

Annual Fall PRP Symposium: This half-day symposium provides you with the opportunity to present your work to an audience of fellow residents, faculty mentors, and other members of our career development community. All PRP residents are required to present their research at this event.

Career Development Lunches: During these quarterly meetings, led by PRP director Dr. Hafeman and associate director Dr. Freyberg, you will have the opportunity to openly and informally discuss important career development topics—including mentorship, balancing clinical and research demands, and the nuts and bolts of research during residency and beyond—over a delicious lunch. We additionally invite recent graduates of the PRP and other early-career physician-scientists to network and share diverse perspectives.

Department of Psychiatry Annual Research Day: This event, held annually in June, enables you to showcase your research in a poster presentation, build new collaborations, and network with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and other trainees. All PRP residents are required to present a poster at Research Day.

Ongoing meetings with PRP Leadership: You will have bi-annual check-in meetings with Dr. Hafeman. PRP leadership, including Dr. Hafeman and PRP chief residents, are available on an ongoing basis to discuss research interests, career development topics, or anything else.

Career and Research Development Seminar (CARDS) Series: The CARD seminar is a weekly series for postdoctoral trainees’ grantsmanship and career development skills. You may participate in this seminar during your final year of residency  to prepare for and get valuable feedback on funding applications.