New Year, New Goals

Dr. Ericka Boone

Happy New Year! Now that all of the turkey has been eaten and all of the gifts have been exchanged, it’s time to get back to business! As you know, the 2020 LRP application cycle officially closed on November 15th, and more than 2600 researchers from across the country submitted applications. Those applications are now undergoing review, so stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, I’d like to remind you of a few programmatic changes, and one important update that will be implemented beginning in September:

Programmatic Reminders:

• The maximum LRP award amount (depending on debt level) is now $50,000. Thus, awardees can receive up to $100,000 in student debt relief during their first award.
• Participation in the Health Disparities Research LRP has been expanded to all NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs). Previously, all HD LRP applications were only reviewed by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Now, when applying for the HD LRP, applicants can select from a list of more than 20 NIH ICs that fund this program.

Programmatic Updates:

• Beginning September 1, 2020, a new extramural LRP subcategory will be launched! The Research in Emerging Areas of Critical Human Health (REACH LRP) is intended to address high priority emerging and gap areas of research. Stay tuned for an official announcement.

Now that everyone is back to work and the official grind is on, remember that taking care of yourself should be at the top of your ‘To-Do’ list.It’s reported that one-third of people who visited a doctor last year mentioned high stress levels as contributing to their health issues.Don’t let stress impact your physical health, and don’t let imposter syndrome creep in, cloud you with self-doubt and disrupt your mental well-being.I’ve given several workshops over the past year addressing imposter syndrome as a career development impediment, and trust me, you’re not alone.Read more about my thoughts on imposter syndrome in the latest edition of The POSTDOCket. Feel free to leave us a comment about your stories of overcoming imposter syndrome on Twitter.

As we close out this month’s DLR Director’s Blog, I’d like to remind you that if you have questions about the LRPs, feel free to call or e-mail the LRP Information Center at 866-849-4047 (Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST) or [email protected]. You can also follow the NIH Division of Loan Repayment on Twitter and Facebook for more information and cycle updates. Take good care of you and cheers to an outstanding 2020!