Empowering Early Career Researchers: The Jackson Heart Study Smith Scholars Program.

Abstract

The University of Mississippi Medical Center Graduate Training and Education Center houses the Robert E. Smith, MD, Scholars Program, a two-year certificate program that equips predoctoral trainees from five Mississippi universities with advanced research skills in cardiovascular epidemiology. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the program focuses on addressing health disparities, minority health, and health inequities in underserved communities. Trainees receive mentorship, career coaching, and a $7,500 annual stipend, building a foundation for postdoctoral opportunities and expanding professional networks. The Smith Scholars Program emphasizes population health and provides interdisciplinary training in areas such as biostatistics, scientific communication, and cardiovascular health. It is uniquely positioned to address systemic challenges, particularly in Mississippi, a state with high cardiovascular disease prevalence and limited research funding. The program's regional advantage and its partnership with the Jackson Heart Study offer scholars exposure to health disparities in Black/African American communities, preparing them to contribute to innovative, community-based research. Additionally, it fosters collaborative science, enabling participants to overcome academic barriers and engage with large-scale health equity research efforts. The Smith Scholars Program has been instrumental in shaping the career trajectories of its participants, facilitating their transition to postdoctoral positions and independent research roles.