DULCE (Diabetes InqUiry Through a Learning Collaborative Experience)

Project Summary/Abstract The purpose of the NIDDK R25 Research Education Training Program, DULCE (Diabetes InqUiry through a Learning Collaborative Experience) at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is to inspire medical students to pursue careers in diabetes mellitus (DM) research through exposure to the full continuum from basic science to translational DM research and the interdisciplinary collaboration needed to care for patients with DM. Given the increasing number of Americans with diabetes mellitus (DM), it is imperative that our physician-scientist work force is well prepared to address the needs of this growing population and keep pace with DM innovation. The University of Chicago is home to two strong DM research centers whose investigators currently have $31.5 million in grant funding from NIDDK and represent research that spans basic science, clinical translational, community based, and policy research. UC also provides high caliber clinical care through the Kovler Diabetes Center and other highly ranked clinical programs. The Pritzker School of Medicine (PSOM) has the potential to be a leader in training underrepresented minorities in DM research; in 2021, 36% of the entering PSOM class is Black/African American and Latinx. Furthermore, 42% of incoming PSOM students express interest in conducting DM research. While the PSOM has a track record in training students in research, we lack a program focused on DM. To address the gaps in the current physician scientist workforce and meet the needs of our current students’ interest in DM research, we will develop, implement, and evaluate DULCE. We propose this novel longitudinal research education program for eight medical students per year during their first and second year of medical school consisting of a short-term basic science, clinical, or community health research experience combined with a structured didactic seminar series and interdisciplinary clinical shadowing experiences. DULCE will provide students with concrete experiences in DM research and clinical shadowing, reflective observation through regular meetings with peers and physician scientists, learning of new theories through participation in multidisciplinary clinical and research seminars, and application of new concepts through an intensive mentored research project. DULCE’s evaluation will be based on assessments of students’ research self-efficacy, their attitudes towards DM research, their exposure to the roles of interdisciplinary health professions in DM care, and their ability to contribute to a research project. We will also assess their interest in pursuing a research career in DM and their productivity in a future career in DM research through tracking of conference presentations and publications. Our goal through DULCE is to provide PSOM students with a better understanding of the spectrum of DM research and interdisciplinary collaboration, inspiring them to pursue careers in DM research.