Making Hay After Your K Award Elizabeth A. Phelan, MD, MS Associate Professor, Medicine/Gerontology July 10, 2008

You have your K – what now? Collaborate Communicate Avoid over-extending (admin, clinical) Cultivate >1 mentor Seek opportunities for national exposure Understand requirements for promotion at your institution Apply for independent funding

Collaborate Research where you contribute unique expertise Disciplines other than your own Work styles that are comparable Benefits: Shared vision/passion Momentum of the group Increased productivity

Communicate Publications Presentations Meetings with boss and mentors – keep them informed and thinking about you

Avoid Over-Extending K awards mandate 75-80% time on research Create a personal timeline and calendar Consider all invitations carefully Get input from your career mentor Say no when appropriate

More Than One Mentor Career mentor Research mentor Senior with “currency” Less senior but closer to where you are at and more available

National Exposure How Invitations your mentors can’t accept Discuss with them specifically Why Personal visibility Meet national leaders in your field

Understand Promotion Requirements Know what you’re working toward DOM: >20 publications Demonstrated leadership Funding stream Concurrence of others who know your work outside of your own institution Determine how you’ll get there

Apply for Independent Funding Value of a good idea Need for preliminary data Consider NIH and non-government sources Apply early

Getting Your First R01 Demonstrate some publications without your mentor Build on what you’ve done for your K Clear precise aims (have others read) Clear rationale Become familiar with criteria used to score grants

Getting Your First R01 Discuss with a program officer Submit early (resubmission likely) Apply under an RFA if you can find one Mark new investigator Direct application to an appropriate study section Apply for non-NIH funding too