We sat down with Dr. Chaudhari, an alumni of the SC CTSI Mentored Career Development in Clinical and Translational Science award, to hear about his experience in the KL2 program and to how the program led to research-related accomplishments and furthered his professional career.

Can you tell me a little bit about your experience in the KL2 program, including when you were active in the program?
I was a KL2 scholar from 2021 to 2024. The program provided me with invaluable training in clinical and translational research, including structured coursework, mentorship, and dedicated time for research. It was a pivotal period that allowed me to refine my research skills and build collaborations that continue to shape my career.

What initially got you interested in starting this program?
I was drawn to the KL2 program because of its strong emphasis on career development and structured research training. I wanted to enhance my ability to conduct impactful clinical research and gain expertise in study design, biostatistics, and grant writing, all of which are critical for advancing pediatric emergency care research.

How did you find out about the program?
I found out about the KL2 program through educational presentations at CHLA and USC. Colleagues and mentors who had participated in the program also encouraged me to apply.

Who was your mentor?
My primary mentor was Dr. Robinder Khemani, who is in the Division of Critical Care Medicine at CHLA. His guidance was instrumental in shaping my research trajectory, particularly in improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in acute care settings. I was lucky enough to also have additional mentorship at CHLA and USC, along with external mentors, who were all incredibly supportive of my work and career development.

What was your favorite aspect of the program?
My favorite aspect of the program was the combination of protected research time and structured mentorship. The ability to immerse myself in research while receiving dedicated guidance from experienced mentors and collaborating with a multidisciplinary cohort of scholars was incredibly valuable. Additionally, the networking opportunities within the program helped me form meaningful collaborations that have continued beyond my KL2 tenure.

How has your career changed since you became a KL2 program alumni?
Since completing the KL2 program, I have expanded my research portfolio and secured additional funding to continue my work. The program provided me with the foundation to successfully apply for grants, refine my research questions, and contribute to the field of pediatric emergency care. I was awarded an NIH R21 in 2024 for our multidisciplinary research project titled, “Point-of-Care Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children with Head Trauma (BRAINCHILD),” which aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of low-field, point-of-care MRI compared to clinical standard of care neuroimaging for children with head trauma. Additionally, my KL2 work on clinical risk stratification in pediatric TBI has progressed, with implications for improving clinical care and decision-making through additional research opportunities, including in collaboration with the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), a federally funded research network encompassing CHLA.

What do you think that others can gain from this program?
The KL2 program is an excellent opportunity for early-career clinician-scientists to gain structured research training, mentorship, and career development support. Participants can develop the skills needed to conduct high-impact research, successfully apply for funding, and establish long-term collaborations that will benefit their careers and their respective fields.

What advice would you give your former self just starting out in the program?
I would tell my former self to take full advantage of the program’s resources—actively seek mentorship, collaborate widely, and apply for as many funding opportunities as possible. I’d also emphasize the importance of balancing research with clinical and personal responsibilities and being proactive in translating research findings into meaningful clinical applications.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I hope to continue advancing research in pediatric emergency care, particularly in optimizing clinical decision-making tools for bedside clinicians. My goal is to translate research findings into clinical practice and improve outcomes for children with emergency conditions. Additionally, I aspire to mentor the next generation of clinician-scientists, just as my mentors supported me during the KL2 program.

Anything else to add?
I am incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities provided by the KL2 program and support from my mentors, Division and Department leadership, and colleagues. It has been a transformative experience in my career, and I highly encourage early-career researchers to consider applying.

Dr. Robinder Khemani is Dr. Chaudhari’s mentor. We asked Dr. Khemani, what has been your experience as a mentor to Dr. Chaudhari?
It has been an absolute pleasure to mentor Pradip over the last several years through the KL-2 program. He has all the crucial skills to be successful at research as he is motivated, intellectually curious, and articulate. Perhaps most importantly, he can adapt to the circumstances around him to flourish. The KL2 program provided excellent structure, protected time, and community based mentorship which has been incredibly valuable not only to him for his career development, but for me in improving my skillset as a mentor.