Collaborative Research Initiatives: Health Innovation Project
In response to the needs and challenges of primary healthcare settings, two primary care centers have agreed to collaborate on an initiative to improve infrastructure to use real-world data to answer research questions related to existing health disparities in Puerto Rico. Hospital General Castañer and Prymed serve communities in Lares, Adjuntas, Jayuya, Ciales, and Vega Baja. GROW PR Network members will lead this collaboration hand in hand with Network leaders, focused on providing real-world data to answer critical research questions. This initiative called Health Innovation Project (HIP) aims to create a comprehensive database that will serve as a vital resource for database analysis and other research applications, enabling the development of evidence-based interventions and policies. At the core of this initiative is the recognition that effective solutions to health disparities must be rooted in real-world data that reflect the unique health needs and challenges of specific communities.
The Health Innovation Project is designed as a collaborative effort, bringing together researchers, clinicians, community health workers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the data collected accurately reflects the health challenges faced by these communities. This will enable a more holistic understanding of the barriers to care, the effectiveness of existing interventions, and the gaps in healthcare delivery. Additionally, the involvement of primary care centers ensures that the data is not only comprehensive but also directly relevant to improving clinical practice and patient care at the community level. The overarching goal of this initiative is to create a robust and accessible database that can be used allowing researchers, public health specialists, and policymakers to investigate various aspects of health disparities in these communities.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the health disparities that continue to affect underserved populations. By building a comprehensive, accessible database of real-world health data, the project will provide valuable insights that can drive meaningful change and inform future research, policy, and clinical practice. Through this initiative, we aim to empower communities, improve healthcare access, and continue to grow in the direction of improved outcomes for underserved communities in Puerto Rico.
GROW Learning Together Session III: Meeting Success
At the cornerstone of scientific innovation and impactful research lies the urgent need to create and sustain effective collaborations and partnerships. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the success of research projects often hinges not only on groundbreaking ideas but also on the ability to translate these ideas into action through strong, lasting partnerships. Effective collaborations are built on shared goals, mutual respect, and a commitment to fostering synergy across diverse stakeholders. Whether working across disciplines or sectors, successful partnerships require continuous effort to nurture communication, align priorities, and adapt to changing conditions.
Understanding how to initiate and maintain these collaborations is essential for driving research that makes a real-world impact. To shed light on strategies for building strong collaborative research initiatives, Dr. Edna Acosta Pérez hosted the third session of GROW Learning Together on October 22, 2024, via Zoom. This event is part of the GROW initiative, a network dedicated to providing training and learning opportunities for clinicians, public health specialists, community workers, and other stakeholders. Over the past year, GROW has become a key resource for fostering professional development and building connections across sectors, helping individuals improve their collaborative skills and contributing to meaningful research efforts.
Dr. Acosta Pérez, a distinguished mid-career researcher, professor, and Alliance Core Leader, guided participants through the essential steps to forming successful, sustainable partnerships in research. Drawing on her extensive experience in collaborative research, she shared practical strategies for engaging diverse stakeholders, from academic researchers to community health workers, clinicians, and local community members. Dr. Acosta Pérez highlighted real-life success stories of interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, trust-building, and defining roles and responsibilities early in the partnership process.
The session also provided tools and resources for participants to help them navigate the early stages of collaborative research. Key strategies discussed included setting shared objectives, aligning research goals with community needs, and creating frameworks for ongoing collaboration and evaluation. Dr. Acosta Pérez facilitated interactive discussions where participants could engage with one another, share their own experiences, and receive feedback from fellow researchers and practitioners. These conversations were invaluable in helping participants understand the nuances of collaborative work and the challenges that can arise when building partnerships.
The session was evaluated once it concluded. A total of 72.3% of attendees participated in a post-session evaluation, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Notably, 100.0% of respondents indicated they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the overall session, reflecting the value of Dr. Acosta Pérez’s insights and the practical application of the strategies discussed. Many participants expressed appreciation for the real-world examples provided, which helped them understand how to apply the lessons learned to their own collaborative efforts in the field.
For those who missed the live session, the recording is available on the GROW PR Network’s page, offering an opportunity to revisit the discussion and enhance one’s collaborative skills. By strengthening these skills, participants can contribute to the creation of impactful research that addresses critical health issues and improves the well-being of communities across the region. GROW PR Network page.
Collaborative Initiatives
Dr. Estela Estapé
As part of the Network’s ongoing efforts to provide culturally relevant and impactful training opportunities for healthcare professionals, the Centro Médico Episcopal San Lucas in Ponce hosted a specialized conference on October 30, 2024. This event was designed to enhance the clinical writing skills of pediatric medical residents, an essential skill for their academic and professional development. The conference featured a range of expert presentations, including contributions from Dr. Laura Domenech and Mr. Fabian Ramirez, who hosted the event.
The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Estela Estapé, a respected leader in research and career development. Dr. Estapé, a Professor and Senior Advisor for Research Career Development at the San Juan Bautista Research Center, shared her extensive expertise in academic writing, peer-reviewed publications, research funding, and project management. Her keynote, titled “Writing Your Clinical Experiences: It’s All Within You,” offered invaluable insights into the practical aspects of writing clinical case reports and manuscripts. Dr. Estapé covered critical topics such as managing time effectively to balance writing with clinical responsibilities, collecting and analyzing data for publication, and the importance of collaborating with co-authors to enhance the quality and impact of a clinical manuscript.
One of the central themes of Dr. Estapé’s presentation was the process of drafting the first manuscript. She emphasized that writing is not a linear process, but rather an iterative journey where each draft can improve with careful revision and thoughtful feedback. Her approach encouraged residents to begin writing early, even if they felt unsure about the final product, and to embrace the value of collaboration throughout the writing process.
To measure the impact and effectiveness of the conference, a brief evaluation was conducted at the end of the event. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with 100.0% of respondents indicating they were either “highly satisfied” or “satisfied” with the overall conference. Attendees particularly commended Dr. Estapé for her dynamic, engaging presentation style, describing her as an enthusiastic and inspiring speaker. Many residents expressed that they gained practical knowledge on clinical writing, particularly in how to structure and develop case reports. Additionally, the multiple examples and real-world applications shared during the session were highly appreciated, as they helped residents visualize how to apply writing strategies to their own clinical experiences.
The successful delivery of this conference underscores the Network’s commitment to providing high-quality, culturally tailored professional development opportunities that meet the unique needs of healthcare providers. By equipping residents with the skills necessary for effective clinical writing, the event not only contributed to their academic growth but also empowered them to communicate their clinical experiences more effectively to a broader medical audience.
GROW PR Network’s 2025 Membership Meeting Calendar
Save these dates on your calendar.
🌟 Attend Our Member and Collaborator Update Sessions!
Get ready to discover the latest breakthroughs and exciting opportunities within GROW PR Network! From innovative project milestones to impactful training initiatives, our upcoming event promises to leave a lasting impression.
Your insights and participation are essential to our shared success. Join us for engaging discussions that foster meaningful outcomes. Mark your calendars and be part of GROW PR Network’s exciting updates! 🚀
Your participation is invaluable. We look forward to seeing you there!
Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 10am, save the dates and links below.
Meeting ID: 848 6307 4200
Passcode: 344806
Meeting ID: 889 9446 8935
Passcode: 741320
Meeting ID: 834 6058 9714
Passcode: 276184
Funding Opportunities
This R01 notice of funding encourages the use of advanced research methods to evaluate the impact of integrated mental health care on health outcomes in low to middle-income countries (LMICs) and encourages multidisciplinary approaches and strengthening the skills of local researchers and practitioners by using innovative methods and collaboration.
Application due dates: February 05, 2025, for new submissions, March 05, 2025, for renewals
This R61/R33 notice of funding seeks to support sustainable research infrastructure of projects that address key interdisciplinary aging research questions for up to two (2) years R61 and up to three (3) years R33 to encourage biomedical, social, and behavioral research and research training to understand the aging process and the diseases and needs of aging populations.
Application due dates: July 02, 2025, for new submissions, August 04, 2025, for renewals
