Program schema of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) Research and Mentorship Program (RAMP) for African American and Hispanic medical students.
Note. (1) RAMP for African American and Hispanic medical students was advertised through all accredited US medical schools. (2) Mentor matching was based on scientific field of interest, geography, and other factors (e.g., personal attributes, academic performance). (3) Mentors and applicants developed a feasible research project aligned with the HVTN research agenda and wrote proposal with budget. (4) Scholars completed a baseline survey before beginning work or participating in training activities. (5) Projects were conducted at an HVTN domestic or international research site and were laboratory, social, or behaviorally based. (6) A signed individual development plan by scholars and mentors defined mentoring expectations and meeting frequency. (7) Scholars participated in several centrally organized trainings throughout RAMP on topics such as HIV vaccine science, cultural responsiveness, biostatistics, and article writing. (8) Scholars gave oral and poster presentations at HVTN conferences. (9) Follow-up surveys and interviews were conducted shortly after final presentations.