Developing scientists in Hispanic substance use and health disparities research through the creation of a national mentoring network

Abstract

Hispanics are disproportionately affected by substance use and related health harms yet remain underrepresented across scientific disciplines focused on researching and addressing these issues. An interdisciplinary network of scientists committed to fostering the development of social and biomedical researchers focused on Hispanic substance use and health disparities developed innovative mentoring and career development activities. We conducted a formative evaluation study using anonymous membership and conference feedback data to describe specific mentoring and career development activities developed within the national network. Successful mentoring initiatives and career development activities were infused with cultural and community values supportive of professional integration and persistence. Mentoring initially occurred within an annual national conference and was then sustained throughout the year through formal training programs and informal mentoring networks. Although rigorous evaluation is needed to determine the success of these strategies in fostering long-term career development among scientists conducting Hispanic health and substance use research, this innovative model may hold promise for other groups committed to promoting career development and professional integration and persistence for minority (and non-minority) scientists committed to addressing health disparities.

Keywords:

• Mentoring
• formative evaluation
• substance use
• health disparities

Acknowledgments

The initiatives described in this article were developed through extensive collaboration of numerous individuals over many years. The authors do not intend to take credit for their inception or sustainability but merely wish to highlight several innovations that may inform other efforts to promote minority scientists’ career advancement. The authors wish to thank Hortensia Amaro, Ana Anders, Laura O’Dell, Bryan Page, Nelson Tiburcio, and Avelardo Valdez for their input on this paper, as well as the numerous inspirational NHSN mentors and leaders who remain committed to new investigators’ career development.