Principles in Cardiovascular Research Training Program

Project Summary/Abstract This application is for the competitive renewal of the “Principles in Cardiovascular Research Training Program” at Washington University School of Medicine. Since its inception in 1975, this training program has demonstrated a strong track record of training physician-scientists and scientists who have emerged as thought leaders in Cardiovascular Medicine. The primary objective of this training program is to provide multidisciplinary research-based training opportunities, incorporating diverse areas of focus and investigative modalities to develop independent scientists who are trained to utilize basic, translational, clinical, and/or health services-focused cardiovascular research principles to improve outcomes of patients with cardiovascular disease. The re-designed program is focused on training the next generation of physician- scientists to tackle the resurgence in cardiovascular diseases triggered by the epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome, while ensuring a continued focus on current cardiovascular disease landscape to address areas of unmet need. The program is housed in an intellectually stimulating and scientifically creative environment within the Cardiovascular Division and Center for Cardiovascular Research, and benefits from highly collaborative interactions between 28 faculty mentors that hold appointments in 2 Schools, 8 Departments and 4 Divisions in the Department of Medicine. The faculty are well funded; have been recruited based upon their multidisciplinary expertise in the six area of focus, namely myocardial biology, inflammation, vascular pathobiology, ion channel biology, metabolism and genomics, with health care economics and policy as a unique area of training focus integrating the clinical and services aspects of cardiovascular health; and demonstrate a strong track record of mentoring. The program objectives are unique as compared with other training opportunities available within the institution. The current application, which seeks support for 6 MD, MD-PhD or PhD post-doctoral trainees per year, incorporates many new programmatic features developed to enhance the training mission and is designed to provide 2-3 years of uninterrupted research training after completion of core clinical requirements. The curriculum has been re-designed to focus on the major research themes, with emphasis on Rigor and Reproducibility and Responsible Conduct of Research; and a team-based approach is encouraged with co-mentoring to enhance interdisciplinary training opportunities. The cornerstone of training is a rigorous trainee-driven project supervised closely by experienced faculty mentors. Trainees participate in the weekly Trainee Research Seminar series and the Cardiovascular Research Seminars series, as well as our annual Cardiovascular Research Day Symposium. Training is monitored by formal mentoring committees; and informal support networks exist to guide trainees towards competing for career development awards with goal of developing into independent cardiovascular researchers. Steering and External Advisory Committees are in place to monitor the Program for its effectiveness in achieving Program objectives.