The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP), under the Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08), seeks to support early-career clinician-scientists in developing independent research careers focused on pain management. The program is designed to provide salary and research funding for clinician-scientists who will lead independent clinical trials, feasibility studies, or ancillary studies within the NIH HEAL Initiative’s focus on pain management. This initiative is part of NIH's effort to address chronic pain and opioid-related issues, with a particular emphasis on biopsychosocial research and advancing health equity.

Eligible applicants include clinicians with doctoral degrees (MD, DDS, DO, etc.) who are early in their research careers and committed to becoming independent investigators in clinical pain research. Research areas may include non-opioid pain treatments, biomarkers, pain education, and implementation science. The award provides up to $125,000 in salary support and $50,000 annually for research-related expenses. Recipients are expected to devote at least 75% of their professional time to research and career development, with a maximum project period of five years.

The application process involves submitting proposals through Grants.gov, with the earliest submission date being September 12, 2024. Key due dates follow NIH standard deadlines, with the first submission deadline on October 12, 2024. Applicants must comply with NIH’s clinical trials policies, and the proposed research should aim to advance clinical practices or healthcare policies related to pain management. Successful candidates will receive additional mentorship and career development opportunities, including participation in NIH HEAL Initiative meetings.

This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and mentorship, with a focus on addressing the barriers that early-career pain researchers face. The program will help build a robust workforce in clinical pain research, critical for advancing the goals of the NIH HEAL Initiative. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with NIH staff before submission to ensure the alignment of their research with program goals.