Mentoring for Enhanced TB-HIV Outcomes and Recovery (MENTOR) - PROJECT SUMMARY Overview. This K24 Mid-Career Patient-Oriented Investigator Award application proposes to support mentoring of junior investigators to apply implementation science to improve TB treatment outcomes and reduce long-term TB-associated disabilities among persons with and without HIV, with direct relevance to U.S. TB programs and high-risk populations. Candidate. Dr. Davis is a clinical epidemiologist and practicing pulmonary/critical care physician, Director of Educational Programs at the Yale Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science (CMIPS), and Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine at Yale University. His research develops and evaluates innovative strategies to improve TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in settings where HIV is co-prevalent. He conducts observational, mixed-methods, randomized, and quasi-experimental studies in the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Davis has been continuously NIH-funded since 2006 (F32, K23, and multiple R21, R01, and D43 awards) and has authored >170 peer-reviewed publications, including >60 as first or senior author. He has mentored >50 students, fellows, and junior faculty and served as the senior author on >40 trainee publications. His research on TB diagnostics and case-finding has advanced the field of implementation science, improved clinical and public health outcomes, and informed TB guidelines, policies, and practices endorsed by policymakers in the US and partner countries. He is committed to advancing implementation science by mentoring the next generation of global health investigators to improve the health of Americans in the U.S. and abroad. Mentoring Plan. Dr. Davis is PI of an NHLBI R01-funded, cluster-randomized implementation trial of TB adherence strategies and is Associate Director of a Fogarty D43 research training program. These roles provide a strong platform for recruiting and mentoring junior investigators in patient-oriented implementation research to improve short- and long-term TB treatment outcomes. Over the award period, he will provide structured career development and implementation science mentoring to 20 junior investigators and strengthen durable training pathways at US and partner institutions to build a cadre of researchers prepared to improve population health outcomes, reduce costs, and increase satisfaction. Research Plan. Dr. Davis will expand his research and mentoring program to address TB-related disabilities. He will introduce systematic screening for mental health conditions, respiratory impairment, and exercise intolerance among people with TB (with and without HIV) using validated instruments. He will adapt and pilot peer-facilitated rehabilitation strategies and evaluate their feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness to inform future trials and implementation. This work will generate rigorous preliminary data and practical strategies to improve post-TB care through mentored research aligned with NIH priorities.
