Boxer Training Program in Hematology

The Boxer Training Program in Hematology has a strong track record in preparing physicians and postdoctoral scientists for independent, research-oriented careers in hematology. This is due to a combination of our rigorous training environment and robust mentorship in hematology research. This program draws on the research interests and expertise of 41 well-funded faculty members in the University of Michigan Medical School Departments of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Pathology, Surgery, Pharmacology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Biological Chemistry, Anesthesiology, Physical Medicine, Learning Health Sciences, as well as the Life Sciences Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Institute for Social Research, and the Schools of Engineering, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Social Work. Active areas include molecular, cellular, translational, and clinical research of: 1) the pathophysiology of the immune system; 2) normal and malignant hematopoiesis; 3) hemostasis, thrombosis, and vascular biology; 4) blood and marrow transplantation; and 5) erythrocyte physiology and disease. A Selection and Monitoring Committee will recruit MD, MD/PhD, and PhD trainees with strong academic credentials who desire a scholarly career encompassing hematology research and teaching. MD candidates will have had 3 years of house officer training in Pediatrics or Internal Medicine and a year of clinical training in Pediatric or Adult Hematology/Oncology. PhD candidates will have a major interest in hematology-related research. Six trainees per year will commit a minimum of 2 years under supervision of a faculty mentor, developing expertise in posing feasible scientific questions, acquiring skills to answer these questions, and critically evaluating data obtained. During their research training, trainees are continuously mentored and evaluated semiannually by a Mentoring Committee. Trainees present the results of their investigations, participate in discussions of data obtained by their colleagues, and attend relevant research seminars and interact with faculty members in basic, translational, and clinical sciences. Overall, this program will fulfill a critical need to train the next generation of academic hematologists who will bridge the gap between laboratory and clinical research.