Interdisciplinary Training for Vascular Surgeon Scientists

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The design and implementation of improved therapies for vascular diseases are dependent on a better understanding of the basic physiological processes involved. Such processes are biologically complex, with elements at the molecular, cellular, organ system, and integrative levels. Research into the pathophysiology of vascular diseases and their treatments will be strengthened by training vascular surgeon-scientists in investigative methods allowing them to develop and maintain state-of-the-art laboratory skills and pursue novel strategies for cure and prevention. The goal of the University of Florida - Interdisciplinary Training for Vascular Surgeon Scientists (ITVSS) Program is to provide the training required for success as future academic surgeons and scientists in the field of vascular surgery. Graduates of our training program will be prepared to join an academic surgical faculty, conduct independent research, compete for grant funding, and provide translational surgical expertise at their institutions. At the core of our program are the following specific aims: 1) provide a 2-year integrated training program for four surgery residents and/or fellows to create a career pathway for conducting mechanistic and clinically relevant translational research in vascular disease; 2) implement a training program that promotes a learning cycle of concrete experiences, active experimentation, reflective observation, and abstract conceptualization; 3) closely monitor and track trainee-related experiences and outcomes that will serve as a foundation for evaluating the current status of the program and for making continuous quality improvements; 4) create a culture for professional excellence based on enhancing rigor, reproducibility and transparency in research and establishing a career trajectory as leaders in the surgical delivery of vascular care; and 5) maintain the research-focused, career trajectory developed during the fellowship by promoting a culture of scholarly activity, foster interaction among the ITVSS trainees, mentors, and Directors during the completion of clinical training. Unique aspects of the ITVSS Program include: 1) a high-density of NIH-funded surgeon-scientists providing the necessary training environment and role models; 2) use of a team mentoring approach, where each trainee has an identified research and clinical mentor; 3) trainee engagement in an “Immersive Training Experience” that is outside of their research focus area, to provide the foundation for conducting team-based, multi- disciplinary research; 4) support by a robust vascular research portfolio that offers trainees high-quality experiences in basic, translational, outcomes, and clinical research; and 5) institutional backing that provides administrative and supplemental financial resources to maximize the training experience.