Host Defense Training in Allergy and Infectious Diseases

PROGRAM SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the University of Washington has trained 158 physician-scientists through continuous funding provided by this training grant since its inception in 1976. More than 75% of trainees have taken academic or research positions and this track record has been maintained. Many former trainees have achieved leadership positions, with 5 of the former trainees becoming Dean or Associate Dean of Medical Schools, 3 Chair of Medicine, and 13 Chief of Division. Thirty-six have become full Professor, 11 are leaders in pharmaceutical companies, and 3 have served as Directors of Divisions or major Programs at the CDC. Trainees that have finished in the past 15 years have had remarkable early success in research careers, including >50% achieving research funding, 26% with K awards, and 98% publishing one or more papers related to their supported research. The continuing objective of the program is to provide post- doctoral training for physician-scientists committed to a research career in infectious diseases. Eight postdoctoral training stipends per year are requested, the same number as in the previous funding period. There are currently 49 participating mentors with $163 million annual direct research funding and outstanding mentorship records. Each trainee selects a mentor (or more than one) for detailed research training in one of six research tracks including Virology, TB, Immunology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bacterial Pathogenesis and the Microbiome, and Epidemiology/Clinical Trials. All trainees are assigned a mentoring committee that meets at least annually and evaluates the trainee. All trainees complete a core curriculum consisting of required didactic, research and clinical activities. Many trainees elect to take formal course work at the University of Washington and an average of 2-3 a year seek an MPH or MS degree. The program generally requires three years of training, one clinical year supported by the hospitals and two research years supported by this training grant.