Integrated Musculoskeletal Training Program

The purpose of the Integrated Musculoskeletal Training Program is to provide predoctoral trainees with modernized and multidisciplinary training in biomedical engineering / biomedical sciences and technologies. The Integrated Musculoskeletal Training Program (IMTP) that brings together world leading musculoskeletal researchers and clinicians at Columbia University with expertise in biomedical engineering, cell and molecular biology, and technology innovation from Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Pathology and Cellular Physiology, and Genetics and Development and Mechanical Engineering. This unique predoctoral training program focuses on integrating the multiple disciplines required for cutting edge research training of the next generation of scientists and engineers in the field. The T32 training program establishes a unique training paradigm in musculoskeletal disease, with the following required training elements: (1) clinical preceptorship in musculoskeletal medicine (orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, rheumatology, radiology, etc.), (2) mandatory co-advising by a team consisting of a bioengineer, biologist, and a clinician, and (3) innovation and design training for identifying clinical needs and gaps in knowledge / technology. This T32 training program provides a unique and timely opportunity to promote, enhance, and deepen multidisciplinary musculoskeletal research by supporting trainees with the skills and the values needed to enter the future biomedical research workforce and to solve complex problems of musculoskeletal disease