www.east.org 9 INVEST-C Hack-a-Thon Recap continued Dr. Jason W. Smith INVEST-C Research Hack-a-Thon Founder and Moderator EAST continues to push the envelope on developing the young trauma surgeon and young researcher. We identified a pool of well-funded midcareer and senior investigators and put together a 24 hour high intensity session with five early career surgeons in an effort to develop and foster their research careers. With federal and society funding changing, it will be imperative to use innovative ideas to give young physician scientists a chance to develop research plans, grant writing skills and critical thinking skills to make them competitive in this new landscape. The Research Hack-a-Thon is our initial attempt at providing these kind of resources to our members and we hope to grow and develop this program for years to come. Dr. Ben Zarzaur INVEST-C Research Hack-a-Thon Moderator EAST continues to advance its mission by supporting the development of nascent research projects of young trauma surgeons. The INVEST-C Hack-a-Thon brought together federally funded EAST members with a talented group of young investigators in order to push their research forward in an intensive two-day Hack- a-Thon. I feel that this innovative approach to building research capacity in the care of the injured patient will pay dividends for years to come. I think I came out of the meeting very energized and excited and I know the mentees did too! Dr. Elliott R. Haut INVEST-C Research Hack-a-Thon Reviewer We spent 12 hours to “Pay it Forward.” Senior or mid-career faculty took time to mentor a promising group of EAST members. The free-flowing discussion covered a wide array of topics - career advice, research study design, grant funding opportunities, life coaching. I think we will see great things, which will benefit EAST and the trauma community for years to come. Dr. Jennifer Hartwell INVEST-C Research Hack-a-Thon Participant The Hack-a-Thon! What a great event! This was the most efficient, high yield 24 hours I have ever spent on research. I am so thankful for the investment of time and energy by the seasoned EAST mentors. I came away with an excitement for my research and a concrete plan for moving it forward. I hope many more early-career EAST members have this same tremendous opportunity. Dr. Phillip Prest INVEST-C Research Hack-a-Thon Participant The INVEST-C Research Hack-a-Thon was a career opportunity for me. From some of the best research surgeons in the country, I learned how to approach scientific questions in a new and powerful way. I came into the meeting feeling unsure about my potential as a researcher, but I left with a revised confidence in my thinking, tools for ways to approach questions, and a plan for an exciting new project. >