Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute K12 Program

The goal of the University of Miami CTSI K12 Career Development Program is to prepare 10 scholars (MD or PhD) for independent and sustained careers in clinic.al translational science and research (CTSR). Integrated with the Miami CTSI, the program will develop a robust, broad-based CTSR workforce of scientists who possess both deep scientific domain expertise and broader research systems understanding. Driven by this goal, we have set three objectives 1) develop core competences and knowledge in CTSR; 2) provide evidence informed mentoring and 3) accelerate transition to independent and sustained careers in CTSR. Our program is designed to ensure that a pool of highly trained CTSR scientists can address the needs of South Florida and beyond. Following the NCATS vision of the ideal translational scientist the program's approach to CTSR training is global. where scholars produce discoveries that are simultaneously important for their disciplines, contribute to other disciplines~ and of benefit to patients and communities, advancing the translational process as a whole. Our program's conceptual approach integrates principles of team science and dissemination & implementation to help scholars successfully move their research products into real-world use relevant to public health. Given our track record of ten years with a successful CTSI KL2 program and a strong institutional commitment to faculty development and a supportive research environment, we offer unique training opportunities for addressing complex CTSR challenges. The program is organized around five. major activities: (1) recruitment and selection of highly qualified candidates; (2) developing key competencies in CTSR; (3) collaborate mentorship by CTSR dou1ain experts, and clinician, peer and community mentors; (4) accelerating scholar transition to an independent and sustained career in CTSR; and (5) program evaluation. In the five years of the Kl2 award cycle, the program will provide up to two years of funding to each scholar for personalized training. intense scientific practice, and research career development experience under the guidance of collaborative mentorships and partnerships outside of their areas of expertise, both within their research domains and other relevant stakeholders. Our rigorous evaluation plan assesses the. quality and effectiveness of the training program and scholar capacity to effectively lead, communicate, collaborate. and break down barriers across multidisciplinary teams and the translational process. The program is led by two directors who are translational MD/PhD researchers with complementary laboratory-to-clinical and clinical-to population health research. and guidance committees composed of experienced scientists and training program leaders from our Hub and other CTSAs.