Introduction by Vice Chancellor Goldstein
At UC Irvine Health Affairs, we are committed to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative education and practice. This month, we shine a spotlight on our transformative Train New Trainers (TNT) Fellowships, a program designed to elevate the standards of primary care by integrating behavioral health and addiction medicine training.
UC Irvine Health Affairs is empowered by a distinctive One Health model that unites health disciplines to amplify their strengths and promote a synergistic approach to healthcare. By equipping providers with the skills to address common medical and psychiatric conditions, the TNT program exemplifies our mission to integrate advanced research, innovative training and exceptional patient care, ultimately enhancing healthcare and supporting lifelong wellness.
I invite you to join me in recognizing the foundational leadership of Robert McCarron, DO, founding director of the TNT program, whose vision and dedication were instrumental in establishing and growing this initiative. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the entire TNT Primary Care Fellowships team, whose support and guidance have significantly enhanced the program’s reach and impact.
Transforming Healthcare Education with the Train New Trainers Program
Featuring Robert McCarron, DO, founding director of TNT Primary Care Fellowships
The UC Irvine School of Medicine’s TNT Fellowships are designed to address the critical shortfall in psychiatric training among primary care and general medical providers, including pediatricians. This clinically practical and evidence-informed certification program equips healthcare professionals with the tools they need for the prevention, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of both medical and psychiatric conditions.
Unlike traditional training programs, TNT Fellowships provide education outside of customary clinic or business hours, ensuring that healthcare professionals can access advanced training without interrupting their practice. This forward-thinking approach has enabled a diverse group of healthcare providers — including physicians, pharmacists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners — to enhance their skills and deliver comprehensive care.
Launched in 2016 amid a national mental health crisis, the TNT program was further refined through a partnership with the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP) Collaborative. The program employs interprofessional education and practice frameworks to improve patient outcomes and expand access to critical healthcare services, bridging the gap between physical and mental health.
In recognition of this partnership, the TNT Primary Care Fellowships Program has been honored with the prestigious George E. Thibault, MD Nexus Award by the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education. This national award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of the Nexus partnership, which involves health systems, clinics, educational institutions and community organizations collaborating to redesign healthcare education and delivery for better integration and interprofessional practice.
The George E. Thibault, MD Nexus Award celebrates the success of the TNT program and encourages continuous growth and innovation. It is a testament to our commitment to patient-centered, team-based, data-driven, whole-person care.
Over 60% of TNT graduates have become national leaders, teaching critical skills to their primary care colleagues. As Robert McCarron, DO, founding director of TNT Primary Care Fellowships, stated, “Our TNT Primary Care Fellowships provide educators and providers with practical strategies to address the increasing demands and complexities of modern healthcare delivery. We recently published an article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine addressing healthcare disparities and the effectiveness of our strategy to train providers in disadvantaged communities.”
As we look ahead, UC Irvine Health Affairs remains focused on promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and improving health outcomes for diverse populations through groundbreaking initiatives like the TNT Primary Care Fellowships.
Our TNT Primary Care Fellowships provide educators and providers with practical strategies to address the increasing demands and complexities of modern healthcare delivery.
Robert McCarron, DO
Founding director of TNT Primary Care Fellowships
