Global Health Research and Training in Cardiovascular Disease

ABSTRACT: The goals of this K24 proposal are to train clinical investigators in the conduct of patient-oriented cardiovascular disease (CVD) research primarily in Haiti, with a new project in Tanzania and to conduct a new study on environmental lead exposure and CVD risk factors in Haiti (Aim 1). The training also leverages four currently funded CVD research projects in Haiti (Aims 2-5), and a funded CVD research project in Tanzania (Aim 6). United States trainees will spend ~50-60% of their time at international research sites in Haiti and Tanzania, which have onsite Weill Cornell faculty, long-standing international collaborators, and outstanding environments for research training. The common theme of the projects is patient-oriented CVD research in the areas of clinical epidemiology, clinical trials, CVD-infectious diseases, and implementation science. The projects include: 1. Environmental lead exposure and CVD risk factors in Haiti 2. Clinical epidemiology of CVD risk factors, diseases, and poverty-related social determinants in Haiti 3. Randomized clinical trial of early hypertension treatment among persons living with HIV 4. COVID-19 and cardiac dysfunction 5. Implementation of hypertensive screening and management 6. Heart failure in Tanzania The focus of research training will be on postdoctoral clinical investigators who have completed their advanced degree training. Dr. McNairy has an impeccable history of excellence in research mentorship and serves in leadership roles in the Weill Cornell Global Health Research Fellowship and the Weill Cornell Women in Global Health Research Initiative. Trainees will be mentored by Dr. McNairy and will participate in research projects in Haiti (Aims 1-5) and Tanzania (Aim 6). These six projects have both clinical and laboratory aspects and offer trainees a broad research experience. Trainees learn through the conduct of their mentored research project and the opportunity to interact with colleagues working on studies other than their own. The K24 award will allow Dr. McNairy to decrease her administrative and clinical responsibilities and commit 50% effort to CVD- related research and mentorship of US trainees. Her long-term goal is to build a world-class CVD global health research and training program to improve CVD-related health outcomes among the world's poorest populations.