Accelerating Research Careers in Science Through Early Mentored Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Masters' Students at the University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Research.

BACKGROUND: Investments early in the academic pathway are essential to increasing the diversity of the HIV research workforce. Applied mentored research experiences can advance research skills, self-efficacy, and retention in science among scholars considered to be underrepresented minorities. SETTING: The UCSF Center for AIDS Research Scholars Program is a 16-week program that pairs URM undergraduate and masters-level students from San Francisco State University with URM investigators from the UCSF. The program includes one-on-one mentorship on an independent research project, a core-curriculum on research methods and HIV-specific topics, and clinical shadowing. METHODS: We evaluated program outcomes and areas for improvement with preprogram and postprogram survey and qualitative data from scholars and mentors from June to October 2022. Outcomes included interest in HIV research and growth on a 20-item measure of research skills, knowledge, and confidence. RESULTS: Six URM scholars enrolled in the inaugural cohort and were paired with 6 mentors. Preprogram and postprogram evaluations showed gains in interest in HIV research, 0% preprogram and 100% of scholars postprogram reporting much or extensive interest in HIV research, and gains across all domains from self-confidence, skills, and clarification of a research career path. Qualitative findings noted the importance of peer support and interpersonal features of mentors, including treating them like equals. Areas for improvement included more opportunities for primary data collection and specific training around mentoring undergraduates for mentors. CONCLUSIONS: The UCSF Center for AIDS Research Scholars Program was successful in building foundational skills, knowledge, confidence, and interest in HIV research among URM undergraduates and masters-level students.

The impact of COVID-19 on mentoring early-career investigators: "Everything can wait. Listen more than usual and share your own struggles".

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted almost all sectors of academic training and research, but the impact on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research mentoring has yet to be documented. We present the perspectives of diverse, experienced mentors in a range of HIV research disciplines on the impact of COVID-19 on mentoring the next generation of HIV researchers.In November to December, 2020, we used an online data collection platform to cross-sectionally query previously-trained HIV mentors on the challenges related to mentoring during the pandemic, surprising/positive aspects of mentoring in that context, and recommendations for other mentors. Data were coded and analyzed following a thematic analysis approach.Respondents (180 of 225 mentors invited [80% response]) reported challenges related to relationship building/maintenance, disruptions in mentees' training and research progress, and mentee and mentor distress, with particular concerns regarding mentees who are parents or from underrepresented minority backgrounds. Positive/surprising aspects included logistical ease of remote mentoring, the relationship-edifying result of the shared pandemic experience, mentee resilience and gratitude, and increased enjoyment of mentoring. Recommendations included practical tips, encouragement for patience and persistence, and prioritizing supporting mentees' and one's own mental well-being.Findings revealed gaps in HIV mentors' competencies, including the effective use of remote mentoring tools, how to work with mentees in times of distress, and the prioritization of mentor well-being. Mentors are in a unique position to identify and potentially address factors that may lead to mentees leaving their fields, especially parents and those from underrepresented backgrounds. We discuss implications beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

A mentor training workshop focused on fostering diversity engenders lasting impact on mentoring techniques: Results of a long-term evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Trainees and investigators from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds face unique challenges to establishing successful careers in clinical and translational research. Structured training for mentors is an important mechanism to increase the diversity of the research workforce. This article presents data from an evaluation of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Mentoring the Mentors program aimed at improving mentors' competency in working with diverse mentees in HIV research. METHODS: Mentors from around the USA who had in one of seven separate 2-day training workshops conducted from 2013 to 2020 were invited to participate in an online evaluation survey of their experiences with the training and their subsequent mentoring activities. RESULTS: There was a high response rate (80%) among the 226 mentors invited to complete the survey. The 180 respondents were diverse in demographics, professional disciplines, and geographic distribution. Quantitative and qualitative data indicate a lasting positive impact of the training, with sustained improvements documented on a validated measure of self-appraised mentoring competency. Respondents also endorsed high interest in future, follow-up training with continued focus on topics related to mentoring in the context of diversity. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the UCSF CFAR Mentoring the Mentors program showed lasting impact in improving mentoring practices, coupled with high interest in continued in-depth training in areas focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Interpregnancy body mass index change and success of term vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of interpregnancy body mass index (BMI) change on success of term vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) among normal, overweight and obese women. STUDY DESIGN: Using 1992-2009 Washington State birth certificate data linked with hospitalization records, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women (BMI ≥18.5 kg/m(2)) with a primary cesarean in their first birth and a term trial of labor in their second. Interpregnancy weight change (difference between first and second prepregnancy BMIs) was categorized as maintenance (<1 BMI unit change), loss (≥1 unit), moderate gain (≥1 and <2 units), high gain (≥2 units). We estimated relative risks of VBAC success using generalized linear models with a log-link function, adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, nativity, marital status, education, smoking, primary cesarean indication, interpregnancy interval, birth year for second birth, and prenatal care adequacy. RESULTS: Among 8302 women who attempted a term trial of labor, 65% had a successful VBAC. Women with normal BMI before their first pregnancy experienced an 8% decrease in VBAC success with moderate gain (relative risk [RR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.98) and a 12% decrease in success with high gain (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83-0.93), compared with normal weight women who maintained weight. Weight loss increased VBAC success in women who were overweight (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.25) or obese before their first delivery (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.49), compared with overweight and obese women, respectively, who maintained weight. CONCLUSION: Women can improve their chance of successful VBAC through interpregnancy weight management.