A: Yes. PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and faculty clinicians that are at any point in their career can apply. Rehabilitation researchers with doctoral level training or equivalent training/research experience are eligible.

A: No. Unless you have an existing relationship with one of the LeaRRn health systems, it is not appropriate to reach out directly to the health systems partners, nor is it necessary. LeaRRn has a process to match applicants with health systems. Invited applicants will meet with health systems partners as part of the application process. 

A: LeaRRn provides didactic activities, such as the webinars, grand rounds, and institutes that focus on learning health system research competencies. Scholar funds can be used to support other workshops or training activities, too, that align with the Scholar’s goals for their year.

A: While some applicants may distinguish themselves with prior clinical or research experience working with health systems or with health system data, none of these skills are required. A Scholar’s role is to help the health system prepare to address a high-priority problem. This help can come in many forms and may not require particular experience or skills. Oftentimes, health system leaders do not have the time to look at their data or delve into a problem. A Scholar can provide needed assistance to move a project forward. 

A: Yes. PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and faculty clinicians that are at any point in their career can apply. Rehabilitation researchers with doctoral level training or equivalent training/research experience are eligible.

A: Applicants need not independently research health systems’ needs or priorities prior to being matched with a health system during the application process. Health system priorities are listed on the LeaRRn website, but are dynamic and change over time. The Scholar application process involves matching applicants with health systems based on applicants’ skills, research interests, and health systems’ priorities at the time of matching. Applicants who clearly describe their experience, interests, and flexibility to focus on different topics will be well-positioned. Our goal is to try to match as many applicants as possible. Applicants then meet with health system leaders  for an interview and to learn more about the health system’s needs.

A: While there is no fixed expectation, applicants should anticipate devoting at least 10% effort and may devote more time, if they have protected research time to establish their research agenda and wish to do so.

A: The LeaRRn website includes information about Scholars, including two interviews with current Scholars about their experiences. Applicants with further questions about Scholars’ experiences should contact LeaRRn directly.

A: We advise focusing on a single project, if possible, to ensure that it is feasible within the 12-month funding period. During the scholar year, the LHS Scholar will learn about the health system and its data infrastructure; develop relationships with health system stakeholders; conduct preparatory activities; and work with the health system to develop a plan to address the identified priority area. Successful Scholar years end the year with a plan to seek funding to continue the work, either by the health system self-funding the work or by seeking pilot or other grant funding.

A: Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

A: Health system partners are interested in both qualitative and quantitative methods. They are likely to be most interested in the methods or expertise that complements their own skills and knowledge and furthers their particular priority topic. That said, many health system partners do not fully understand how particular methods can be leveraged alone or in combination (mixed methods) for preparatory or preliminary study work. Scholars may help their partners to understand and apply appropriate methods. Many Scholars use mixed methods.

,A: CoHSTAR is funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy and aims to train physical therapists in health services research. LeaRRn builds on CoHSTAR’s success, expands to include the broader rehabilitation community, and incorporates the idea of partnered learning health system research and implementation science. The types of funding opportunities also differ: CoHSTAR funds postdoctoral fellows and faculty fellows, whereas LeaRRn funds Scholars and pilot projects, LeaRRn also provides didactic training and education about learning health systems research for the rehabilitation community.  

A: The LeaRRn website includes information about Scholars, including two interviews with current Scholars about their experiences. Applicants with further questions about Scholars’ experiences should contact LeaRRn directly. 

A: Scholars typically meet with their mentors at least once a month, although the frequency of meetings may vary depending on the amount of guidance the Scholar needs, the stage of the project within the 12-month period, and how quickly the project is progressing. For example, Scholars and mentors may want to meet more often at the beginning of the project, as they define the project, related methods, and first steps. When initiating their partnership, Scholars and mentors are expected to sign a Mentoring Contract in which they describe how (e.g., phone, video conference, email) and how often they will communicate.

A: No, there is no sample LOI. Please follow the instructions in the RFA.

A: No, the LOI does not include a budget or specific timeline. Scholar awards are for one year, and the details of the budget are determined after Scholars are selected and paired with health systems.

A: The number of scholars generally ranges from 4-8 per year. Decisions are made based on the alignment between the Hub partners’ needs and scholars’ interests and experience, as well as available funding.

A: We identify mentors who have content expertise and/or knowledge of the health system. The mentor’s role is to facilitate communication between the scholar and the health system, identify appropriate resources, and support the Scholar’s progress. Mentors and Scholars both sign mentorship agreements outlining roles and responsibilities.

A: Data analytics is one component of data experience that should be described in your application. Data analytics experience is considered when reviewing applications, however, the significance varies based on the health system needs and their identified priorities. Health systems often seek skills that complement their own and that are needed  to address a particular problem. The skills needed to address our health system partners’ problems are highly variable.

A: No, a scholar does not necessarily need to be located near the assigned health system. Some funds in the Scholar’s budget will be designated for visiting the health system at least once.