Career Education and Enhancement for Health Care Research Diversity (CEED) Program

CEED Program: FAQs

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

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 division, department, or school.
Is the program for MDs and clinicians only? Can PhDs apply?: Anyone with a doctoral degree (e.g., MD, PhD, DPH, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, DC, PharmD, ND, or PsyD) is eligible.
I am in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Am I eligible?: Yes. This program is intended for individuals in all of the schools of the University of Pittsburgh.
May I reapply if I have applied in the past?: Yes, but you must submit a new application.

How do I apply to the CEED Program?

The application process is online.

May I submit more than two letters of recommendation?

Yes. However, one letter must be from your department head, division chief, or program director, and another letter must be from your primary mentor.

What goes into the application?

The application is brief and asks about your research interests and your career plans.

What is the application deadline?

For 2009, the deadline for submission of electronic applications was 4:00 p.m. EST on May 15.

What elements should be included in my application to make it a strong application?

There are a number of elements that are considered essential to a strong application:

A clear commitment to a career in health science research.
The selection of an appropriate mentor.
The availability of a supportive research environment.
A clear promise from your department head, division chief, or dean that you will have at least 50% protected time during the 12 months of the program.
A strong commitment on the part of your mentor to your career development.

May there be multiple applicants from the same division/department/school?: Yes. There are no restrictions on the number of trainees eligible from any division, department, or school.
May people outside of the University of Pittsburgh apply for this program?: No. This program is designed for internal candidates only.

Must a mentor be a U.S. citizen?: No. There are no restrictions on the mentor's citizenship.
Must a mentor have an MD?: No. The 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 mentor be from a minority group.
Must a mentor be located in my division/department/school?: Although this is not a requirement, in most cases the mentor will be in your own division, department, or school. 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 your having multiple mentors.
Do I select my mentor? If so, how do I select my mentor?: You are encouraged to work with your division chief or department head to select a mentor who is appropriate for your area of research.
What happens if a mentor leaves an institution during the course of the program?: If you are not moving with your mentor, you must find a suitable replacement for your mentor.

What is the duration of the program?: The program is 12 months long and goes from July to the end of June.
May I interrupt the program for clinical training?: No. You must have completed clinical training by the time you begin the program.
How much of my time must be devoted to the program?: You must be engaged in research career development activities for 50% or more of your time during the 9 months of the program.

What happens after the initial application is submitted?: After applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility, they are sent to a number of reviewers drawn from the program committee for selection.
When are applicants notified of the results of the application?: Applicants are usually notified by mid June.
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 on July 1 the year after selection.

Will the CEED Program provide salary support?: Yes. Eligible CEED Trainees will be considered for 25% salary support from the CEED Program.
Will I pay for courses I am required to take under the CEED Program?: Yes, but this cost is shared with the CEED Program.
What am I required to do during the 12-month period of the program?: You must participate in all required courses, attend monthly meetings for CEED trainees, and plan to complete a career development application by the end of the program.