ABOUT CDI
Launching the next generation of psychiatry researchers
The Career Development Institute (CDI) for Psychiatry fosters the next generation of academic researchers in mental health. Through a comprehensive program, the CDI equips promising early-career psychiatrists and PhD researchers with the skills and guidance necessary to thrive. Participants benefit from self-assessment tools, personalized goal setting, and long-term mentorship from renowned experts. This unique program fosters a supportive community, propelling individuals towards impactful careers in psychiatric research.
WHY GET INVOLVED
THE MENTOR EXPERIENCE
We pair CDI Fellows with mentors based on career goals and personality. This allows our mentors to guide their mentees in an impactful and meaningful way.
OUR IMPACT
The CDI program changes the lives of our mentors and fellows. Many of our alumni stay in contact with others from the CDI many years after completing the program.
EXCEL & ACHIEVE
Our staff and mentors are proud of every fellow who comes through our program, and we feel we shine when they shine. Many of our fellows have gone on to achieve great things within the mental health research space.
THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO BE INVOLVED WITH AN AMAZING GROUP OF SCIENTISTS AND LEADERS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, TO CONTINUE THAT PROCESS OF BEING MENTORED AND THEN MENTORING OTHERS HAS BEEN WONDERFUL.
– KRISTINA DELIGIANNIDIS, MD, CDI Class of 2012
CDI PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Research Career Development Institute (CDI) for Psychiatry is a multi-faceted longitudinal training experience for young psychiatrists and PhD researchers interested in successful research careers in academic psychiatry. The CDI for Psychiatry includes a comprehensive program of career and skills self-assessment, individualized career goal setting, a four-day workshop, structured long-distance career mentoring and goal tracking, webinars (online meetings) and tutorials, and a multi-tiered program evaluation.
The program is geared toward individuals at the critical transition point between the completion of research training and initial faculty appointment or very early in the initial appointment. Participants in the program have a unique opportunity to work with a diverse group of senior faculty and mentors from the Departments of Psychiatry of the University of Pittsburgh and Stanford University, representatives from the National Institute of Mental Health, and past CDI participants.
PROGRAM FORMAT
CONNECTIONS. GROWTH. SUCCESS.
Through the CDI, participants enjoy meeting peers, connecting with mentors, and mapping out their psychiatric research journeys.
WHAT TO EXPECT
If accepted into the program, participants will be required to complete a series of exercises online prior to attendance at the workshop as well as participate in bi-monthly online mentoring and webinars for 18 months after the workshop, for a total of a 24-month commitment from January 2024 through December 2026.
For an example of how this works, you can review a sample workshop schedule (PDF) and a list of activities across the 24-month program
The People Who Make It Possible
Discover the Impact Our Program Has Made on Past Partipcants
