The project on death in America faculty scholars program: a report on scholars' progress.

BACKGROUND

The Project on Death in America's (PDIA) Faculty Scholars' Program (FSP) was created to develop a cadre of faculty and clinician leaders in palliative care. The purpose of this study was to document Scholars' progress since their participation in this program.

METHODS

Key outcome variables included grants awarded in palliative care, peer-reviewed publications, academic promotions, editorships held, honors, and certifications since their FSP grant award. Methods included a self-administered survey in 2003, and an update in 2007 through collection of Scholars' CVs and a review of literature and websites of national medical palliative care organizations.

RESULTS

Of 740 applicants who applied during the granting period 1995-2003, 87 were selected as Faculty Scholars (8 cohorts, 2-3 years each). All Scholars responded to the survey (100% response). Forty percent were female; 82.8% were physicians and 12.6% were nurses. Scholars reported receiving a total of more than $113 million dollars in grants. As of 2007, Scholars had published a total of 2171 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Sixty percent of physicians were certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Scholars have been represented in the leadership of all major medical organizations related to end-of-life care and national end-of-life initiatives.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the PDIA Faculty Scholars Program has been successful in accomplishing its objective of developing a core group of clinical and academic leaders to advance the field of palliative care.