In May 2024, AAHPM launched the Serious Illness Research Consultant Center (SIRCC) to offer complimentary expert consultation services in research methodology and research grant writing for interprofessional early- and mid-career investigators.
AAHPM believes that serious illness research is integral to advancing the field of hospice and palliative medicine. Interprofessional investigators represent a critical and vulnerable community, with relatively few options for funding and training programs unique to serious illness research. The Academy is committed to supporting a vibrant community of interprofessional investigators who will advance the evidence base for care of people with serious illness across the lifespan.
To this aim, AAHPM has committed to pilot a program of focused consultations with seasoned investigators for those earlier in their careers who could benefit from their guidance. While filling a present need, lessons learned from this program will inform future efforts to expand and support the serious illness research community.
How Does SIRCC Work?
Interprofessional Investigators are eligible for a single 1-hour consultation with a SIRCC Consultant, free of charge. Interprofessional Investigators from any discipline can complete a brief form that affirms their focus on serious illness research and specifies their request to meet with a SIRCC Consultant from a particular core. AAHPM membership is not required for Interprofessional Investigators to access this pilot program.
Once matched, the Interprofessional Investigators and Consultant will be responsible for coordinating a mutually convenient date/time and virtual mechanism for their 1-hour, 1:1 consultation. AAHPM will keep records of completed consults and administer a brief post-consult survey to measure satisfaction and relevant outcomes across time.
Serious illness research experts will be invited to join the SIRCC as ‘Consultants’ for the following cores:
- Measurement Science
- Clinical Trials and Behavioral Interventions
- Qualitative & Mixed Methods
- Implementation Science
- Research Grant Writing
For the Research grant writing core, Interprofessional Investigators may request expert review of a portion of their grant application (e.g., specific aims page, research plan, or career development plan). Relevant document(s) may be shared with the SIRCC Consultant in advance of the scheduled consult. The Consultant will review the materials prior to the consult and provide verbal constructive feedback on the documents during the 1:1 meeting.
Consultants
In this pilot, participating SIRCC Consultants will be assigned an estimated 2-5 consultations per year.
SIRCC Consultants will serve in the role for 2 years, with the opportunity to renew their Consultant role as desired.
Those interested must submit their contact information, CV, biosketch, areas of research expertise, and preferred core(s) assignment through the Academy’s online application portal.
Serious illness researchers are eligible to serve as SIRCC Consultants if they:
- are mid-career or senior investigators with a focus on serious illness research,
- Have a track record of publications and/or grant funding related to one of the SIRCC cores,
- have a history of successful mentorship of serious illness researchers, and
- have an interest in providing guidance to individuals currently in training (post-doctoral or clinical fellows) or at the Instructor or Assistant level.
Expert consultants will receive:
- An AAHPM Presidential invitation to serve as a merit-based AAHPM SIRCC Expert Consultant.
- Complimentary registration to the State of the Science meeting upon completion of 2 years of service in the SIRCC; the complimentary registration may be used by the Consultant or transferred to a mentee of the Consultant, at the Consultant’s discretion.
- Recognition at the Annual Assembly and State of the Science meeting for their contributions to advancing the state of serious illness research nationally.
- Inclusion in the SIRCC peer community for networking and programming opportunities.
Interprofessional Investigators
Interprofessional early- or mid-career investigators interested must submit their contact information, concise research question, and preferred core(s) assignment through the Academy’s online application portal.
Interprofessional Investigators are eligible to request a complimentary consult if they:
- are currently in training (post-doctoral or clinical fellows) or at the Instructor, Assistant or Associate level, and
- have a planned project or grant application, at any stage of development, focused on serious illness research.
AAHPM membership is not required for investigators to apply for this pilot program.
Interprofessional Investigators will receive:
- Access to Expert Consultants to provide targeted guidance with respect to specific research questions, study aims, methodologic design, data analysis, or grant writing.
- An opportunity to discuss short- and long-term career development goals with interprofessional experts outside of the Interprofessional Investigators institution.
- An opportunity to establish connections with esteemed researchers doing work related to the Interprofessional Investigators interests.
How to Appy
Applications closed May 15 at 5pm CT. The program plans to reopen later this fall.
All applications must be submitted through the Academy’s application portal. Any PDF, Word documents, or handwritten applications will not be accepted.
When signing into the application portal:
- AAHPM Members: please click AAHPM login and sign in using your member credentials.
- Nonmembers: please click sign in as guest.