Training Grant in Diabetes and Endocrinology

The purpose of this training program is to nurture the next generation of leaders in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology research by providing post-doctoral candidates of exceptional promise with the opportunity to train for successful careers in academic endocrinology. The program is limited to post-doctoral applicants who hold MD and/or PhD degrees and have demonstrated a strong interest in or prior exposure to biomedical research. Key program features include intensive research in the laboratory and programs of participating faculty members and broad didactic exposure to basic science, translational and clinical investigation. Research areas span a wide range of endocrine disciplines, including diabetes, energy homeostasis and weight control, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, neuroendocrinology, metabolic bone diseases, genetic foundation of endocrine diseases, and enteroendocrine cell pathophysiology. Scientific methods employed by the faculty span the gamut from early discovery using model organisms, biochemical, biophysical, and systems biology approaches, clinical hypothesis-testing, early validation of new treatment modalities, clinical trials, and public health outcomes of commonly employed standards of care. By virtue of the breadth of expertise of the participating faculty, trainees can select research questions that leverage their own interest and enthusiasm to best suit their career goals. Training faculty and facilities are predominantly in the Division of Endocrinology of the Department of Medicine at the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University. However, the program is distinguished by its broad reach into different areas of medical practice, as well as scientific homes in Departments of Genetics, Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Pathology and Cell Biology, and Pharmacology. Trainees are selected from a competitive applicant pool after thorough vetting of their credentials by the Recruitment and Admissions Committee, with significant involvement of the Diversity Enhancement Committee. Applicants admitted to the program are carefully mentored by Research and Mentorship as well as Career Development Committees, which form the basis of individual trainee committees. Post-training, the proposed training program provides continued mentoring and advice on the transition to faculty positions to foster independent academic careers in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology.