PRiSM (Pulmonary, Respiratory, and Sleep Medicine) Training Program

This T32 application proposes a post-doctoral training program in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (PRiSM) at the University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine. Based in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, the PRiSM training program will draw upon a broad network of faculty across multiple departments and affiliated institutions. The program’s primary goal is to provide a rigorous and comprehensive environment for postdoctoral fellows and to foster their development into independent academic physician–scientists. By combining strong mentorship, structured didactics, and hands-on research, the PRiSM Training Program will prepare trainees to conduct innovative, high-impact investigations in pulmonary, respiratory, and sleep medicine. Three scientific tracks will be available. Track A will focus on the etiology, risk, and outcomes of obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Track B will emphasize the biology, prevention, treatment, and clinical outcomes of lung cancer and smoking cessation. Track C will focus on mechanisms, treatment strategies, and outcomes related to obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Trainees will select a primary track of emphasis while engaging in cross-disciplinary collaborations across the program. The PRiSM Training Program will leverage the combined resources of the UM Health System, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Jackson Health System, and the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. These institutions provide access to diverse patient populations, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and opportunities spanning basic, translational, and population science. The program will be supported by 23 mentors with approximately $26 million in annual funding. Mentors include 12 MDs, 9 PhDs, and 2 MD/PhDs with expertise in lung disease epidemiology and outcomes, airway biology, early detection and mechanisms of lung cancer, and sleep disorders medicine. Training will include formal coursework, seminars, workshops, and individualized instruction aligned with core competencies in epidemiology, clinical research methods, biostatistics, responsible conduct of research, and grant writing. Two postdoctoral fellows will be supported annually, with applicants required to hold MD degrees and to be concurrently enrolled in the Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine fellowship. Individual Development Plans (IDPs) will be used to track progress. Internal and External Advisory Boards, along with program oversight committees, will provide continuous evaluation and ensure that program goals are met. The PRiSM Training Program will prepare the next generation of physician–scientists to advance the understanding and treatment of pulmonary, respiratory, and sleep disorders, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to establish independent research careers and make meaningful contributions to human health.