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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long has the program been in existence?

The Outstanding Resident Award Program (ORAP) was established by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 1988.

What is the purpose of the award?

The award is intended to honor psychiatry residents with outstanding research and academic potential who are currently at the PGY-II level with the overall goal to identify the next generation of researchers in psychiatry.

Who sponsors the award?

The NIMH Intramural Research Program is the award sponsor.

Who can submit nominations?

Program directors of psychiatry residency programs can nominate ONE PGY-II resident during the annual spring solicitation period. Any PGY-II resident in general psychiatry program can be nominated, but programs are limited to one nominee per year. If a resident is in a combined program, please email the ORAP contact for additional guidance.

What needs to be included in the application?

A completed application for ORAP includes a program director nomination letter describing the qualifications of the resident including previous and current research training and productivity, personal characteristics that set her/him apart, a description of clinical abilities and other significant accomplishments; the nominee’s curriculum vitae and brief description of his/her research interests and plans for a career as a physician-scientist.

How are the Outstanding Residents chosen?

An NIMH committee of Principal Investigators and Training Directors reviews and ranks the applications.

How many Outstanding Residents are chosen each year?

On average, 12 residents are chosen to receive the award annually.

What does the award consist of?

Recipients are invited to visit the NIH campus for a two-day award program where they meet with NIMH leadership, investigators and clinical fellows to learn about the unique resources and research conducted in the NIMH IRP. Residents are given the opportunity to present a poster about their own research and receive a framed certificate honoring their selection for ORAP.

Who are previous ORAP recipients?

Click here to see the list of past recipients of this award.