Announcements, events, funding opportunities and more news for the Mass General Research Institute community. | |
In this edition:
(Scroll down for more info and click on the links for additional details)
Funding Opportunities:
- Interim Support Funding 23-1
- COURAGE Program
- Blavatnik Therapeutics Challenge Awards
- Limited Submission Funding Opportunities
- Foundation Funding Opportunities
Announcements:
- Annual ECOR Elections
- 2023 MGH Nursing Research Day
- Connell Postdoctoral Fellowship in Nursing Research
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Competition to Select HHMI Investigators
- Transportation of Biological Samples
- Machine Learning Foundational Curriculum
- Research Tech Talk
- All of Us Research Program
- Welcoming Paolo Lirofonis
Events:
- December Research Council
- 2023 Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP)
- Meditation Sessions available every week
- Fava Well-Being Lecture Series
- Grant Writing Course
- Fun Fridays
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Interim Support Funding 23-1
What are they?
Interim Support Funding
The Interim Support Funding (ISF) Program is open to Principal Investigators during a lapse or delay in their research funding from the NIH or another Federal agency (e.g., the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense). Investigators must have applied for independent, long-term support (R01, R21, U01 and P01). The intent of the program is to rescue strong scientific programs that are in need of bridge funding in order to sustain their research. Applications will be accepted regardless of percentile or score, including applications that were not discussed.
When is the deadline?
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 5:00 PM
How do I learn more and apply?
Interim Support Funding - Click here
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COURAGE Program
What is the program?
The COURAGE Program provides resources to advance the careers of 20 early career investigators (post-docs or early faculty) working in obesity, nutrition, or diabetes. This 3+ year program is open to individuals who identify as being from one or more of the following racial/ethnic groups: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders.
Who should apply?
Eligible applicants must be at a postdoctoral level or above. They must be from an underrepresented background, defined as individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders). The research topic must be in nutrition, metabolism, obesity, or diabetes. There is no restriction on the institution from which the applicant applies, i.e., awards can be made to any institution, including our partner institutions in the application, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of Puerto Rico. Preference will be given to early-career investigators.
How much is the award?
Please submit a budget for up to $50,000 in direct costs. Indirect costs are not supported. The period of funding is for one year, beginning June 1, 2023.
When is the deadline?
The application must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. We expect to announce awards by April 3, 2023. The funding period will begin on June 1, 2023 and it will support 1 year of research.
How do I learn more about the opportunity?
For information about the COURAGE program visit www.courageprogram.com
For non-science-related questions, please contact our team at MGHCOURAGEprogram@mgh.harvard.edu.
For science-related questions, please contact Dr. Takara Stanley at 617-724-9109 or tstanley@partners.org.
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Blavatnik Therapeutics Challenge Awards
What are they?
The intent of these awards is to accelerate the development of therapeutics throughout HMS and its affiliated hospitals, with the goal of achieving licensable intellectual property and potentially creating new companies within a two-year time frame.
Who should apply?
All faculty at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor in the Harvard Faculty of Medicine (i.e., faculty at HMS, HMS-affiliated institutions, and HSDM) are eligible to apply for funding as lead PI.
How much is each award?
The Blavatnik Family Foundation will provide the funds for the awards, which will be administered by Harvard via a grant to the PI’s institution and funded at a level of up to $1 million (total costs) over a period of two years.
When is the deadline?
December 7, 2022 at 5 p.m. ET
How do I learn more about the opportunity?
More details on the RFP and submission process can be found on the program website: https://btca.hms.harvard.edu. For questions about the submission, review, and selection process for pre-proposals, contact Ifat Rubin-Bejerano, HMS senior director, translational research.
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Limited Submission Funding Opportunities
We ask that all MGH Investigators interested in applying for any limited submission award submit a Letter of Intent (see detailed instructions below) to the MGH Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) by the deadline indicated for each award to be considered to receive an institutional nomination.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES:
See full details for all awards on our website.
NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Outstanding Early Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 – Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The purpose of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Outstanding Early Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) program is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NCI-supported, independent investigators.
Learn more
NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Outstanding Early Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 – Independent Clinical Trial Required)
The purpose of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Outstanding Early Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) program is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NCI-supported, independent investigators.
Learn more
NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Outstanding Early Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 – Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
The purpose of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Outstanding Early Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) program is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NCI-supported, independent investigators.
Learn more
NCI Cancer Screening Research Network: Statistics and Data Management Center (UG1 Clinical Trial Required) – NEW!
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is one of three FOAs that will support a comprehensive effort by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to provide infrastructure to develop the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN).
Learn more
NCI Cancer Screening Research Network: Coordinating and Communication Center (UG1 Clinical Trial Required) – NEW!
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is one of three FOAs that will support a comprehensive effort by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to provide infrastructure to develop the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN).
Learn more
Pediatric Critical Care and Trauma Scientist Development Program (K12 Clinical Trial Optional)
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications to support a national program of mentored career development and training in research for junior faculty in pediatric critical care medicine and pediatric trauma surgery.
Learn more
Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers (EHSCC) (P30 Clinical Trial Optional) – NEW!
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites grant applications for Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers (EHS CC). As intellectual hubs for environmental health science research, the EHS CC is expected to be the thought leaders for the field and advance the goals of the NIEHS Strategic Plan.
Learn more
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Foundation Funding Opportunities
Please contact Corporate & Foundation Relations in the Office of Development at devcfr@mgh.harvard.edu if you wish to submit a proposal in response to any of these opportunities. Note that proposals are still routed through the standard InfoEd/Research Management process.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES:
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Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) Awards (multiple opps), American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF). Amounts vary. LOI Deadline: 12/16/22
AACR-Debbie’s Dream Foundation Career Development Award for Gastric Cancer Research, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). $200,000. LOI Deadline: 1/19/23
AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Research Fellowship, Association for Cancer Research (AACR). $120,000. LOI Deadline: 1/20/23
NEW! AACR-Sontag Foundation Brain Cancer Research Fellowship, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). $120,000. Application Deadline: 1/17/23
Transformational Project Award, American Heart Association (AHA). $300,000. Application Deadline: 2/16/23
Psychiatric Research Fellowship, American Psychiatric Association (APA). $90,000. Nomination Deadline: 2/3/23
Innovation in Regulatory Science Awards (IRSA), Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF). $500,000. Application Deadline: 2/10/23
Physician Scientist Fellowship, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF). $220,000. Application Deadline: 1/13/23
Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Awards in Neuroscience, Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein Fund, Inc. $300,000. Application Deadline: 2/15/23
NEW! Impact Grant Programme, Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). $1 million. Application Deadline: Continuous
NEW! New Investigator Award, Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). $500,000. Application Deadline: Continuous
NEW! Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme, Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). $50,500. Application Deadline: Continuous
Addressing Access to Pediatric Mental Health Care, Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation (KTGF). $200,000. Proposal Deadline: 1/13/23
MDA Development Grants (DG), Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). $210,000. LOI Deadline: 1/20/23
MDA Idea Awards, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). $50,000. Application Deadline: 2/17/23
MDA Research Grants (RG), Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). $300,000. LOI Deadline: 1/20/23
Young Investigator Research Grant, National Kidney Foundation (NKF). $35,000. Application Deadline: 2/13/23
Stem Cell Investigator Awards, New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF). $1.5 million. Application Deadline: 2/15/23
Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust (CART) Fund, Rotary International. $300,000. LOI Deadline: 12/2/23
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF). $110,000. Application Deadline: 2/1/23
Research Grants (multiple opps), Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF). $600,000. Application Deadline: 2/1/23
(Child Welfare) Research Grants (multiple opps), William T. Grant Foundation. $1 million. LOI Deadline: 1/11/23
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Do you want to learn more about identifying external funding opportunities? Please click here to request a research consultation with Amy Robb or see ECOR’s website for information on the Pivot database. | |
Annual ECOR Elections
Annual ECOR Elections for Representatives from the MGH Research Community
Elected representatives serve a 3-year term and will represent faculty concerns and issues. ECOR representatives should be able to speak to your interests and concerns in discussions and planning for research at MGH.
Please cast your vote for one candidate from each category.
Please note: In order to vote you must be a Principal Investigator at the level of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor.
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2023 MGH Nursing Research Day
We invite nurses to submit an abstract for consideration for MGH Nursing Research Day, which will be held in May 2023! At this time, it is anticipated that the event will occur virtually, and posters will be shared via our Virtual Poster Platform on the Munn Center website.
Questions? Please email the Munn Center: MunnCenter@PARTNERS.ORG
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Connell Postdoctoral Fellowship in Nursing Research
The Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is inviting nurse applicants for the second postdoctoral fellow for the Connell Postdoctoral Fellowship in Nursing Research established in 2019. This is a unique opportunity for early-career nurse researchers within two years of completing a PhD degree (graduation year 2022 or 2023) to receive postdoctoral training at MGH, the leading independent hospital in NIH funding.
The fellowship provides developmental support and resources to advance nursing research in:
Symptom Science in Adults- including the identification of symptoms and symptom management in the context of acute and chronic illnesses among diverse populations.
*Applicants with an interest in women’s health and women living with HIV strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with an interest in nutrition and obesity research also encouraged.
Highlights of the Connell Postdoctoral Fellowship include:
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Salary support with benefits for 2 years.
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Expert mentorship from accomplished nurse scientists within the Munn Center and across MGH and associated institutions.
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Diverse training and research development opportunities within and outside of MGH, including Harvard Medical School and local nursing schools.
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Participation in opportunities offered through the MGH Research Institute: https://www.massgeneral.org/research/ including extensive support for professional development, research education and training, and communication.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident/green card holder and a nurse who is a new or recent (calendar year 2022 or 2023) graduate from an accredited PhD program from a U.S. certified institution.
Specific questions may be directed to:
Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research
Massachusetts General Hospital
125 Nashua Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-643-0431
Email: MunnCenter@partners.org
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Howard Hughes Medical Institute Competition to Select HHMI Investigators
The HHMI Investigator competition is open to basic researchers and physician scientists from more than 300 eligible institutions who catalyze research in basic and biomedical sciences, plant biology, evolutionary biology, biophysics, chemical biology, biomedical engineering, and computational biology.
Candidates apply directly to HHMI. Applications must be received by March 21, 2023. Information about this program and competition, including benefits of becoming an HHMI Investigator and eligibility requirements for this competition may be found at hhmi.org/investigators.
We seek a broad applicant pool and welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We anticipate appointing approximately 25 scientists who will push the bounds of biomedical research and train and mentor the next generation of scientists.
If you have a question about the 2024 competition, please email sciencecomp@hhmi.org.
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Transportation of Biological Samples (BioLift)
To transfer biological samples we encourage faculty to use BioLift.
BioLift is an online application and solution for transporting biological samples between the Charlestown Navy Yard, MGH Main Campus and the Ragon Institute.
If you have any questions, please login and click on the help button.
You can also reach out to Kelé Piper, Research Compliance Director, at kkpiper@mgh.harvard.edu.
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Machine Learning Foundational Curriculum
Mass General Brigham's Data Science Office is pleased to announce the Machine Learning Foundational Curriculum course is now available to take online for MGB employees!
Presented by Dr. Kathy Andriole, this training program will introduce you to the fundamentals of Machine Learning (ML) in healthcare, with an emphasis on practical concepts and knowledge. The curriculum consists of recorded lectures, self-directed exercises, and hands-on interactive demonstrations that expose learners to the tools and techniques involved in developing, validating, and translating AI/ML into clinical practice.
Click here: https://datascience.massgeneralbrigham.org/machine-learning-foundational-curriculum to request access (MGB username and password required).
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Research Tech Talk
Next Research Tech Talk is Thursday December 8th, 12:10pm-2:00pm, there is no November Tech Talk. December 8th presentations to be announced.
Ken Heckman, Senior Technical Project Manager, MGB Digital for the EMI/CCDS, will present a detailed update on radiological imaging of interest to researchers.
Herb Harrison, Director and Shawn Martineau, Manager of MGB's Digital ITS Enterprise Technology Platform team will provide updates on their systems, e.g. the Citrix platform and will discuss ongoing initiatives.
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All of Us Research Program During National Family Health History Month
The All of Us Research Program team is reaching with a special message to our colleagues as we gear up for the return of DNA results to program participants and hope you will consider joining this landmark research program, too.
This November, celebrate National Family Health History Month by joining the All of Us Research Program. All of Us is committed to giving information back to participants. When you join this research program, you will be able to see your own health information. This may include DNA results and health records. Knowing this information can help you make important decisions about your own health, like taking medications or getting treatments to help prevent disease in the future. This information may also help to improve health research for future generations. You can learn more about getting your DNA results and other benefits of participating in All of Us by visiting https://www.joinallofus.org/what-participants-receive
To join today, please visit JoinAllofUs.org/mgb, or to learn more, please visit the All of Us Research Program on the Pulse https://pulse.massgeneralbrigham.org/hub/initiatives/all_of_us
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Welcoming Paolo Lirofonis
I am pleased to inform you that Paola Lirofonis will join the MGH Research Building Management Team as an Operations Manager effective December 1st. Her career in research spans over twenty years in academic affiliated hospitals. Paola started as a technician in scientific research in a BSL3 start-up lab and managed a DNA sequencing facility at BIDMC. In 2014 Paola joined the MGH Cancer Center as Lab Manager and then went on to Senior Lab Manager. Paola currently serves as Co-Chair of the MGH Lab Manager group and is a Covid Safety Officer. She has provided invaluable advice and insight to her peers and will continue to do so in this new role.
Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Paola to the team.
Patricia Frederico | Director, Research Building Management
Mass General Research Institute
Research Space Management
Office: (617) 724-2916 | Mobile: 617-962-3289
pfrederico@partners.org
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December Research Council
Monday, December 5, 2022, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Hybrid, Simches Auditorium 3.110
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Dr Cesar Castro and Dr Julie Price will be discussing the future of the Center for the Diversity and Inclusion at Massachusetts General Hospital. The presentations will cover future initiatives and roles in The Center for Diversity and Inclusion that will help continue to achieve the mission of the center.
NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
Martha Jones and Andrew Chase will be joining us to discuss the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy changes that go into effect on January 25, 2023. They will be discussing the main components of the new policy changes to best help all the members of the Mass General Research Institute best prepare for these new changes.
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Two Meditation Sessions available every week
Two Meditation Sessions available every week
SESSION 1: Meditation Mondays with Dr. Darshan Mehta
Every Monday, 8:00 – 8:30 am, Zoom à next session, Monday, November 28!
Co-sponsored by the Center for Faculty Development’s Office for Well-Being and the MGPO Frigoletto Committee
Join Darshan Mehta, MD, MPH, Director, Office for Well-Being, for a guided meditation session on Monday morning.
Register and add to calendar
SESSION 2: Midweek Meditation with Guest Leader
Every Wednesday, 8:00 – 8:30 am, Zoom à next session, Wednesday, November 30!
Sponsored by the Center for Faculty Development’s Office for Well-Being
Join guest leader Diane Cocca-Spofford, BSN, RN, Benson-Henry Institute of Mind Body Medicine, for next Wednesday’s guided meditation session on November 30th
Register and add to calendar
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Fava Well-Being Lecture Series: “Combatting Clinician Burnout and Uniting the Health Workforce to Optimize Well-Being”
Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, Zoom
Provided by: Mass General Brigham and MGH Center for Faculty Development
The Maurizio Fava Lecture Series on Well-Being was created to honor Dr. Fava’s vision and advocacy for the well-being of the MGH community.
The capacity and well-being of the U.S. health workforce have been under threat for years due to an epidemic of burnout, and more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated this issue. Now at least 40% of nurses, 20% of physicians, and more than 25% of state and local public health department employees are considering leaving their professions. The U.S. health system is at stake due to this healthcare workforce crisis. It is critical to address burnout not as an individual issue, but rather as a systems issue that emanates from workplace culture, healthcare policies and regulations, and societal expectations.
This talk will build on the work of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience to focus on the changes that are needed to support the mental health and well-being of clinicians, and address retention and burnout prevention and intervention programs. The NAM recently released a National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being, which provides a roadmap for actions by multiple actors together to drive policy and systems change, in order to better support the health workforce and the health of all communities.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the root causes behind the clinician well-being crisis in the United States.
- Understand why supporting clinician well-being at a systems level is crucial to maintaining high quality of care and reducing strain on our health care system.
- Discuss the recommendations of the NAM National Plan for helping healthcare providers recover from the pandemic and to mitigate pre-existing drivers of burnout.
Target Audience: This activity is intended for faculty and faculty trainees.
Course Director: Miriam A. Bredella, MD, Director, Center for Faculty Development; Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School
Presenter: Victor J. Dzau, MD, President of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), formerly the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the United States. In addition, he serves as Vice Chair of the National Research Council. Dr. Dzau is also James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Chancellor Emeritus at Duke University and the past President and CEO of the Duke University Health System. Previously he was the Hersey Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
ACCREDITATION
In support of improving patient care, Mass General Brigham is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Mass General Brigham designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Click to register
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Grant Writing Course
Thursday, December 1, 2022, 12-1pm, Zoom
Sponsored by the Office for Research Careers
Created by the MGH Science Writing Group led by Becca Ward, PhD, this series returns for the second year. It is open to all MGH trainees and faculty. There is no requirement to attend every session, but you are highly encouraged to do so. More specific information on various sessions will follow.
Session 6 - (Dec 1): Human Subjects
facilitated by Kamryn Eddy, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry
Session 7 - (Dec 8): Budget & Personnel Documents
facilitated by Kelsey Laning, Senior Administrative Manager, Research Grants, and Strategic Alliances & Stephanie Weldon, Ph.D., Program Manager, Batista Lab at the Ragon Institute
Session 8 - (Dec 15): Documents for Unique Situations: Introduction & Multi-PI Plans
facilitated by Trisha Berger, Ph.D., Director of Scientific and Medical Communication for the Cellular Immunotherapy Program & Becca Ward, Ph.D., Medical Writer and Program Manager
Click to register
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Fun Fridays- Yoga at Your Desk
Friday, December 2, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Zoom
Sponsored by the Center for Faculty Development’s Office for Well-Being
Fun Fridays offer a refreshing mid-day break from work to indulge in physical, mental, or creative activity.
This lively 60 minute webinar offers a refreshing breathing technique, stretches and awareness of proper body alignment to focus your mind and restore your balance. Yoga at your desk is great for people that spend a lot of time at the computer or on the bench doing research. Join us to stretch your tight muscles and ease your worries. All attire is welcome but clothing that does not constrict the waist is best.
Facilitator: Lisa Staffiere, LICSW, CEAP, RYT, Senior Employee Assistance Consultant, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and Certified Employee Assistance Professional. Lisa is a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher and incorporates yoga and meditation into EAP Stress/Resiliency training. She counsels clients in English, Spanish and French. She is the EAP liaison to AllWays Health Partners, MGH Institute of Health Professions and the MGH Research Community. Lisa brings 38 years of professional experience to Mass General Brigham EAP.
Click to register
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