TRAINING IN PULMONARY IMMUNOLOGY

This is a competing continuation to support six post-doctoral positions to provide rigorous research training for fellowship-level physicians, physician scientists, and scientists studying lung disease. The ultimate goal is to develop pulmonary scientists in either mechanistic or translational research who will pursue careers in research-focused academics or the biomedical industry. After completion of clinical or Ph.D. training, all trainees begin a two year (minimum) period of virtually uninterrupted time for research training. Trainees choose one of two tracks: a mechanistic / basic science pathway, or a translational pathway. For both tracks, the key training activities will be mentored time in a research laboratory leading a specific individual project, with supplemental learning through workshops or coursework, attendance at research conferences, and seminars. Candidates pursuing the translational pathway may participate in the Master of Science of Translational Research degree program with a more structured didactic curriculum and thesis defense. Select trainees will be provided with a third year of research training, typically while submitting applications for mentored career development awards. All trainees will create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with their mentoring committee and will present twice annually to the committee to track progress, update career goals, and discuss transition to faculty status or other research career opportunities. Mentoring committees include the primary (and if relevant, secondary) mentors, a fellowship representative for MD scientists, and the T32 Director or T32 Steering Committee member. The program will continue to foster broad multidisciplinary approaches to research with strong ties to trainers within and outside of the Pulmonary Division and the Lung Biology Institute. This application seeks to maintain a highly successful pulmonary immunology and translational research training program.