Postdoctoral Primary Care Research Fellow -- Family and Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics

Postdoctoral Primary Care Research Fellow -- Family and Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine (FCM), in Hershey, PA seeks postdoctoral fellows who aspire to become independent researchers to join the HRSA-funded T32 Primary Care Research Fellowship, housed within FCM. The Fellowship is designed for postgraduate learners who wish to receive training in primary care research to address some of the most pressing problems in public health and health care, including substance use, mental health disorders, and related disparities.

The Fellowship is led by experienced clinician-scientists in Family & Community Medicine (Dr. David Rabago-Program Director; Dr. Aleksandra Zgierska-Associate Program Director), General Internal Medicine (Dr. Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld-Associate Program Director) and General Pediatrics (Dr. Ian Paul-Associate Program Director), in collaboration with partners from the broader Penn State community, with faculty from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who bring varied perspectives to the investigation of complex problems. The Fellowship's rigorous program is guided by leading-edge concepts of active mentorship; experiential learning; diversity, equity and inclusion; translational research; and team science. Individually-tailored training is the core of the program. Fellows have access to a vast array of coursework and degree programs; mentored research experiences across numerous departments, schools and institutes; and a collegial research-oriented institutional and departmental culture. This training provides the environment in which diverse fellows learn to conduct culturally competent, high-quality primary care research and advance their careers toward the goal of becoming independent investigators able to conduct innovative primary care-based research to improve health outcomes in areas of high public health need. Fellows who are clinicians may be able to engage in clinical practice on a limited basis, based on the individual considerations and approvals.

Eligible candidates will have an MD/DO/PhD or equivalent terminal degrees in hand at time of start from a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, psychology, or the social sciences, and, ideally, have experience with the core areas of interest: substance use, pain, mental health, human subjects research or big data science, and a track-record of research output.

The chosen individuals, per the grant requirements must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residency.

The Fellowship is administered through the Family and Community Medicine (FCM) Department, a part of the Penn State Health (PSH) system. Over 50 years ago, during the founding of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PSH recognized the importance of primary care by establishing the first family medicine department in a US academic health center. The FCM has grown tremendously since then, with approximately 200 providers, 16 outpatient clinics, active inpatient and obstetrical services, family medicine residency with 60 trainees annually, and robust clinical and research fellowship training. PSH has a diverse patient population dispersed throughout its 28-county catchment area, which comprises four million people and several federally-designated, medically-underserved areas, including Appalachia. Recent community health needs assessments have identified substance use disorders, mental health, pain and health disparities as priority issues. Fellows will partner with the Penn State faculty across the University's several campuses to help address these health issues, especially as they affect underserved, underrepresented populations.

Our diverse communities of central Pennsylvania provide something for everyone. Local and state parks, lush green mountains, with the famous Appalachian Trail nearby, provide opportunities to enjoy nature. Regional urban hubs boast art museums, local vineyards, excellent restaurants, shopping, home to the state Capital, and, of course, legendary Hershey Park. Local school districts are award-winning, and the Hershey recreational center offers swimming and other recreation for families and children. We are conveniently located within driving distance of metropolitan Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, DC.

To apply, candidates should upload a cover letter with a summary of relevant skills, statement of research interests and goals, current curriculum vitae, and at least two professional references' contact information (name, position title, institution, e-mail address) relevant to this position. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the fellowship positions are filled.

This is a limited-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire.

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University polices.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Apply online at https://apptrkr.com/4710679

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