Training Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine

PROJECT SUMMARY The mission of the Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) Ph.D. program is to train the next generation of the biomedical workforce at the translational interface between basic biomedical science and clinical research. CMM is designed from the ground-up as an independent, stand-alone Ph.D. granting program. CMM trainees will receive unique and tailored training in translational research through the core curriculum, which includes didactic instruction, active learning through projects and journal clubs, and experiential learning in the clinic. The first-year curriculum cycles through “book to bench to bedside”. Introduction to Human Body combines hands- on dissection of the human cadaver, virtual histology labs, lectures and group presentations by students. Following basic sciences instruction, trainees will learn clinical study design, regulatory processes and drug discovery in Introduction to Clinical Research. The year ends with Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease that covers a spectrum of human disorders in conjunction with trainee-patient interactions. Trainees will be taught principles of Rigor and Reproducibility in Research (3R) and Research Ethics in Year 1. Other program-specific activities include an annual Retreat, a Grant Writing workshop in Year 2, individualized Bench to Bedside and Back (3B) clinical experience under the direction of a clinical co-mentor in Years 3-4, and Research Seminars in all years. A holistic review process admits 20-24 trainees from a robust pool size of ~150 training grant eligible candidates who apply directly to the CMM program. We are requesting continued support of 15 training grant slots. Institutional funds defray tuition charges in all years, support administration and program activities, and guarantee trainee support. Preceptors are drawn widely from 26 departments in 4 institutions and 2 schools at the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore campus. Consistent with our translational focus, currently 138 faculty mentors are distributed predominantly in clinical departments (72%) and attract the bulk of our students (71%). Faculty receive mentor training, maintain robustly funded research programs and are highly collaborative. Trainees publish 4-5 papers on average and most (97%) graduate with a Ph.D. in ~5.3 years. Now in its 30th year, CMM has trained a total of 343 doctorates who continue to have direct impact on the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases. Most graduates from the last 10-year period are in research- intensive careers in industry (43%) or academia (31.5), with significant presence in medicine (13.5%) and government (8%). Career training through the innovative OPTIONS program is built into the CMM curriculum. Evaluation of the training program will occur through multiple mechanisms, including annual Mentor-Mentee surveys uniquely tailored to program objectives. To address anticipated challenges, new grading policies will emphasize engagement and participation, we will offer increased access to teaching assistants and tutors, and support student-led peer-to-peer mentoring. The program is open to innovation, responsive to changing needs of graduate education and committed to training translational researchers and science-based professionals.