Training Grant in Cell and Molecular Dermatology

The overall goal of this Training Grant in Cell and Molecular Dermatology, currently in its 48th year, is to train postdoctoral MD and PhD fellows for academic careers in investigative dermatology. Its first objective is to provide laboratory training for dermatologically-trained physicians (MDs and MD-PhDs) to prepare them for an independent career in biomedical skin science. Its second objective is to train PhD scientists in laboratory-based translational investigative dermatology. Its third objective is to provide training for MDs, PhDs and MD-PhDs in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and systems biology to analyze “big data.” Trainees will commit to a minimum of 2 years of research, which will occur under the supervision of one of our 15 primary preceptors. Laboratory-based fellows (MD and PhD) will learn to formulate hypotheses and to design, perform, and analyze experiments, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches focused on skin as an experimental system. Importantly, this program will emphasize training at 3 different levels: 1) Project-specific research training will occur primarily in the laboratory, but will also incorporate introductory and advanced courses in clinical research methods, statistics, bioinformatics and systems biology. 2) Dermatology-specific training will include participation in departmental didactic activities, seminars and conferences, which will broadly expose trainees to topics relevant to skin disease. 3) Career and professional development training will be provided through an extensive menu of courses and workshops, in coordination with our Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Office of Faculty Development. For all trainees, we will feature a team approach to mentoring, as well as face-to-face training in the responsible conduct of research. Altogether, this Training Grant seeks to increase the pipeline of academic research-oriented dermatologists and biomedical scientists. By training MDs, PhDs, and MD-PhDs in state-of-the-art dermatological research at both the basic and clinical-translational levels, we will maximize the clinical impact of our research, enhance the ability of our trainees to teach future physicians, and expand the basic knowledge upon which our specialty increasingly depends.