AHRQ Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) Mentored Clinical Scientist Career Development Award (K08)

STATUS: EXPIRED (March 13, 2026). Limited case-by-case submissions may be accepted; contact eRA Service Desk.

Research Focus

This award supports early-career clinician-scientists in developing independent research careers through 3–5 years of protected time for mentored training and research in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). PCOR is defined as the conduct and synthesis of research comparing benefits and harms of different interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions in real-world healthcare settings, with the goal of improving health outcomes by generating evidence-based information for patients, clinicians, and decision-makers.

The program emphasizes methodological training aligned with Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) standards, including stakeholder engagement (patients, providers, administrators, policymakers) in research question selection, execution, and dissemination. Candidates may pursue didactic study, supervised research experience, or both, depending on prior health services research training.

Priority research areas include: (1) reduction of healthcare disparities and quality inequities among racial and ethnic minority and underserved populations—including maternal healthcare, primary care, diagnostic error prevention, chronic disease management, digital health tools, social determinants of health integration, nursing home care, and behavioral/mental health delivery; and (2) evaluation, redesign, and implementation of healthcare delivery system designs and evidence-based practices.

At a Glance

• Who can apply: Individuals with clinical doctoral degrees (MD, DDS, DMD, DO, DC, OD, ND, DVM, PharmD, or PhD in clinical disciplines) seeking mentored research career development.
• Funding & project length: Not stated; 3–5 years of protected time for salary and research support.
• Award mechanism: K08 Clinical Investigator Award (Career Development).
• Key dates: First standard due date February 12, 2022; merit review ~4 months after receipt; earliest start ~4 months after review. Program expired March 13, 2026.
• Best fit for: Clinician-scientists in health services research, health policy, healthcare delivery, and implementation science seeking to build CER and PCOR methodological expertise and launch independent research careers.