Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center

CORE C SUMMARY The overall goal of Core C is to foster the growth and development of the next generation of neurologists, neuromuscular pathologists, and basic and translational scientists in an environment where basic scientists and clinicians interact regularly to advance knowledge about muscular dystrophy. Specifically, each year Core C will support training activities for Medical Student, Postdoctoral, Graduate Student, and Undergraduate Research Fellows. The educational efforts of the Center are vital because there is an urgent need for basic scientists and clinicians who can partner to develop, test and implement muscular dystrophy therapies. By establishing the Medical Student Fellowship, we will foster interest in academic child neurology (with a neuromuscular focus) and related specialties supporting neuromuscular disease patients. This full-time fellowship will enable up to three medical students per year to participate in a range of MDSRC activities including care of muscular dystrophy patients in clinic, evaluation of patients participating in Project 2 under the supervision of Dr. Mathews, interpretation of muscle biopsies with Dr. Steven Moore, and exposure to clinical trials. The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship will train scientists in the basic research of muscular dystrophy, by providing a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD graduates with an intensive research experience in Dr. Campbell's laboratory. This experience will be complemented by observation of patient care in a clinical setting, enhancing the fellow's understanding and appreciation of the clinical side of translational research. The Undergraduate Research Fellowship is designed to provide an intensive research experience in an MDSRC laboratory that will encourage students to pursue careers in translational science. All trainees will participate in the monthly Wellstone Neuromuscular Conference, where clinical fellows and faculty present interesting cases with discussion of literature and scientific trainees join in discussion. Wellstone trainees from Iowa and the broader MDSRC and neuromuscular disease communities will be invited to actively participate in the Family and Patient Conference hosted by Core A by presenting their research and interacting with patients and families. The Iowa MDSRC plans to host additional conferences focused on pediatric muscular dystrophies and synergies to be gained from sharing information across diseases. Through these activities, Core C will accelerate the education mission of the MDSRC and provide a vibrant training environment for clinician scientists.