CEED Program FAQs

General

What is the difference between the CEED program and other health science research training programs?
The CEED program targets junior faculty, post-doctoral trainees and medical fellows who are already part of the University of Pittsburgh Schools and who are from underrepresented minority backgrounds. The primary goal of the program is to provide these individuals with mentoring and education enhancement so that they can successfully prepare a career development award application

Eligibility

I have a green card and expect to apply for U.S. citizenship within a year. Am I eligible for this program?
You must have U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident at the time of the application deadline.
There is already a CEED program trainee in my division/department/school. May I still apply?
Yes, there are no restrictions on the number of trainees eligible from any department.
Is this for MDs and clinicians only? Can PhDs apply?
Anyone with a doctorate or PhD degree or its equivalent is eligible, including: MD, PhD, DPH, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, DC, PharmD, ND, or PsyD.
I am in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Am I eligible?
Yes, this program is intended for all University of Pittsburgh Schools.
May I reapply if I have applied in the past?
Yes; however, you must submit a new application.

The Application

How do I apply to the CEED program?
The application process is online.
May I submit more than 2 letters of recommendation?
Yes: however, one letter must be from the applicant's Department Chair, Division Chief, or Program Director and one must be from the applicant's primary mentor.
What goes into the application?
The application is very brief and asks about your research interests and your career plans. The application can be found .
What is the application deadline?
For 2008, the deadline for submission of electronic applications is 4pm EST (2pm PST) on June 2.
What elements should be included in my application to make it a very strong application?
There are a number of elements that are considered essential to a strong application:
  • A clear commitment to a career in health sciences research;
  • The selection of an appropriate mentor;
  • The availability of a supportive research environment;
  • A clear promise of at least 50% protected time for the 9 months of the Program by your chief, chair, or dean; and
  • A strong commitment on the part of your mentor to your career development.

School/Division/Department

May there be multiple applicants from the same Division/Department/School?
Yes, there are no restrictions on the number of trainees eligible from any department.
Can people outside of the University of Pittsburgh apply for this program?
No, this program is designed for internal candidates only.

Primary Mentors

Must a mentor be a U.S. citizen?
No, there are no restrictions on the mentor's citizenship.
Must a mentor have an M.D.?
No, the primary mentor may have any type of doctoral degree.
Must a mentor be a member of a minority group?
No, there are no requirements that the primary mentor represent a minority group.
Must a mentor be located at my School/Division/Department?
Although not always, in most cases, yes. Mentors should be close enough to ensure regular interaction and supervision.
Is it possible to have more than one mentor?
Yes, much research requires multiple perspectives and this may result in the candidate having multiple mentors.
Do I select my mentor? If so, how do I select my mentor?
Applicants are encouraged to work with their Division Chief or Department Chair to select a mentor who is appropriate given the applicant's area of research.
What happens if a mentor leaves an institution during the course of the program?
If the trainee is not moving with the mentor, the trainee must find a suitable mentor for replacement.

The Program

What is the duration of the Program?
The Program is 9 months long and goes from September to the end of June.
May I interrupt the award for clinical training?
No. You must have completed clinical training by the time you begin the award.
How much of my time must be devoted to program?
You must be engaged in research career development activities for 50% or more of your time during the 9 months of the Program.

Timetable

What happens after the initial application is submitted?
All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility, and then sent to a number of reviewers drawn from the Program Committee for selection.
When are applicants notified of the results of the application?
All applicants are notified by late July.
Will there be face-to-face interviews?
We don't anticipate interviews but reserve the right to hold interviews in select cases.
When may I start if I am selected as a trainee?
You will start September 1 the year after selection.

Funding

Will the CEED program provide salary support?
No. All trainees must be supported by their Schools/Division/Departments
Will I pay for courses I am required to take under the CEED program?
No, the Program will provide your tuition.
What am I required to do during this 9 month period?
Trainees must participate in all requires courses, attend monthly meetings for trainees, and plan to complete a career development application by the end of the Program.