Post-doctoral trainee development into independent investigators under senior scientists mentorship (PODIUM)

: We propose the PODIUM T32 Program to train and increase the number of investigators committed to research relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, and sleep (HLBS) disorders. We will apply the strengths of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein) and the Montefiore Health System (Montefiore), with our outstanding record of recruiting trainees and developing scientists and clinician-investigators, to develop a new generation of scientists highly trained in HLBS research. Our program includes 28 established faculty mentors conducting funded HLBS research representing 9 different departments. We request resources to support 3 postdoctoral trainees who will spend 2 years in training. Our specific aims are (Aim 1) to increase trainee knowledge and skills in research through hands-on, mentored research from established, senior scientists; (Aim 2) to increase the number of postdoctoral trainees who pursue academic careers in research; and (Aim 3) to increase the number of postdoctoral trainees who successfully compete for extramural funding. The training plan will include individualized curriculum based on the trainee prior experience, competencies and skills with structured classwork, seminars and workshops that supplement hands-on research with mentors. Emphasis will be placed on experiential mentored research experiences as well as professional development activities to prepare the trainees for a research career in academic medicine. The knowledge and skills learned from this training program and the other educational and professional development activities promoted by PODIUM will allow this new cadre of investigators to advance the HLBS research. We will conduct a careful and rigorous evaluation of the program to maintain and enhance its quality. Our ultimate goal is to provide the next generation of investigators with the state-of-the art experiences and skills required to initiate and sustain successful independent careers in HLBS research. This training program brings our institution's considerable depth, rigorous scientific approach, and tradition of innovation to bear on important and highly prevalent burden of HLBS disorders in our community.