Abstract: SA-PO1002
Factors Associated with Transition from NIH K Awards to R01 Funding Among Nephrology Physician-Scientists
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 1000 Educational Research
Authors
- Giannini, Courtney, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Mccuistion, Austin, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Dixon, Angelina Magreni, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Benz, Eric, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Kendrick, Jessica B., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Rheault, Michelle N., University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Background
Physician-scientists play a critical role in nephrology research, and the transition from career development awards to independent funding represents a major point of attrition in the physician-scientist pipeline. We aimed to identify factors associated with successful transition from K-level career development awards to R01 funding among pediatric and adult nephrology physician-scientists in the United States.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with pediatric and adult nephrology physician-scientists who received NIH K-series awards between 2000–2020 from (May – Dec 2025) who were recruited by convenience sampling. Interviews were coded and analyzed for major themes, which informed survey development. Survey collection started in April 2026 and is ongoing.
Results
The dominant themes across completed interviews were the importance of protected research time and the expectation that awardees advocate for this time themselves, rather than relying solely on institutional leadership. Participants identified inadequate protected time and excessive clinical responsibilities as reasons for leaving research-focused careers, while supplemental institutional support and strong mentorship were described as contributors to success.
In an interim analysis, 26 individuals completed the survey and 23 met inclusion criteria. Most respondents received a K23 award (65%), followed by K08 (40%) and K12 (4%); 39% received their K award between 2000–2010 and 61% between 2011–2020. Sixty percent subsequently obtained R01 funding. Respondents were 60% male and reported conducting basic science (48%), lab-based basic science (39%), or other research types (13%). Among participants who had not obtained R01 funding, 62% reported clinical workloads inconsistent with their documented effort, compared with 25% of those who obtained R01 funding. Family responsibilities also emerged as a barrier: 38% of participants without R01 funding reported that family commitments negatively influenced their research career decisions, compared with 0% of those who obtained R01 funding. Overall, 69% of respondents felt that success as a physician-scientist requires significant personal sacrifice.
Conclusion
This study identified potentially modifiable institutional and mentorship factors that may improve retention of nephrology physician-scientists and support successful K-to-R transitions.
Acknowledgment
This work was supported by the Dr. Li-Li Hsiao Leadership Fellowship awarded by the Women in Nephrology.
Funding
- Other NIH Support