The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers the K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award to support the career development of early-career clinician-scientists specializing in pain management research. This program provides salary and research support to individuals with clinical doctoral degrees who aim to conduct patient-oriented research (POR). The purpose is to create a group of well-trained, independent investigators capable of advancing scientific solutions for pain management, in alignment with the goals of the NIH HEAL Initiative, which addresses chronic pain and the opioid crisis.

Eligible applicants must have a clinical doctoral degree, such as an MD, DO, or PharmD, and a commitment to patient-oriented research involving direct interaction with human subjects. This can include studies on mechanisms of disease, therapeutic interventions, clinical trials, and technology development. The award is specifically for those proposing to lead an independent clinical trial or feasibility study, or an ancillary study to an existing trial. Applicants interested in gaining experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator should apply to a companion funding opportunity. The program supports research areas like advancing health equity in pain management, chronic pain, non-opioid treatments, and biomarkers, with an emphasis on biopsychosocial aspects of pain.

The program provides up to $125,000 in salary support annually and an additional $50,000 per year for research development costs, including expenses such as supplies, participant incentives, and travel to research meetings. Applicants are required to attend the annual HEAL R24 National Pain Scientist Career Development Meeting, with up to $2,000 in travel expenses provided. Recipients are also encouraged to participate in networking events and webinars organized by the HEAL R24 Coordinating Center for National Pain Scientists.

Applications are due by NIH standard deadlines, beginning October 12, 2024. Submission requires adherence to NIH’s application guide, including a career development plan, detailed research strategy, and mentorship from an experienced clinical pain researcher. Strong institutional support and a clear commitment to the applicant's development as an independent researcher are essential. NIH also emphasizes the importance of rigor, transparency, and data sharing, with specific requirements for data generated under the HEAL Initiative.

Eligible organizations include higher education institutions, state and local governments, and nonprofits. Applicants must complete necessary registrations with SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission. Evaluation criteria include the candidate’s potential for becoming an independent investigator, the scientific merit of the research plan, the quality of mentorship, and the institution’s commitment to supporting the candidate's research career development.

This award is intended to build a strong clinical research workforce capable of addressing the urgent need for effective pain management strategies and reducing the public health burden of chronic pain.