Training Program/Rheumatic Diseases

Project Summary The Training Program in Rheumatic Diseases is now completing a remarkable 5 years in its current inception training new scientists in the investigation of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of rheumatic diseases. The Program is a collaborative effort between the Adult and Pediatric Divisions of Rheumatology at The University Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia along with The University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Graduate Studies program, and the Graduate Medical Education programs of the Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology Divisions. The Program offers a rich environment for mentored training in basic laboratory investigation, translational research, clinical epidemiology, and bioinformatics, and spans immunology, muscle and bone biology, and clinical rheumatology. Our multi- disciplinary cohort of trainers come from the Perelman School of Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine and represent multiple Departments and Divisions. In recognition of the rapid expansion of technology and methodology that blurs lines between bench and clinical research, the Program has emphasized adding mentors and trainees in bioinformatics, translational science, and other domains to best position ourselves to continue our success in the development of the future scientific leaders in Rheumatology. Post-doctoral trainees are selected from the already highly competitive and select pool of clinical fellows from both the Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology fellowship programs, as well as PhD scientists within the participating Schools investigating aspects of rheumatic disease. Typical appointments are for 2 years, pending appropriate progress by the trainee. Given that our pipeline of meritorious trainees is outstripping current availably in the program, we request to expand this award to support 6 post-doctoral positions. Since the inception of the current T32 award, both the Adult and Pediatric fellowship training programs added and filled additional ACGME-accredited slots, reflecting our ability to attract increasing numbers of talented and qualified trainees eager to take advantage of our unique training and research environment. All trainees benefit from an exceptional set of colloquia, seminars, retreats, and lectures, and trainees are expected to contribute to this environment through their own presentations and publications. Once each trainee’s mentoring team is formed, an Individualized Development Plan is created that is regularly reviewed and revised by the trainee, mentor(s), and PIs of this Program, including assessment of the trainees’ and mentor’s performances. The Program itself is continuously evaluated by direct feedback from trainees and mentors, through annual review by an Internal Advisory Board and an external consultant, and by self-assessment techniques. As a measure of success, in the past 5 years, this Program trained multiple investigators running their own foundation/NIH-funded mentored research programs in Rheumatic Disease and others that are clearly on track to independence upon completing their training.