Mass General Brigham Interdisciplinary Clinical Pain Research Training Program

This proposal establishes a rigorous and supportive interdisciplinary training program in clinical pain research at Mass General Brigham (MGB) in Boston. The program will support multidisciplinary cohorts of postdoctoral fellows, who will enroll in the program for 2-3 years, with the goal of expanding and enhancing the pool of early career stage investigators who are able to launch and maintain successful careers addressing the nation’s scientific needs in clinical pain research. The program provides protected research time and dedicated training in the context of a unique cohort approach, allowing not only a network of formal mentors, but also peer- mentoring integrated into a rich training experience. In addition to learning through practical engagement in the research process, trainees will undertake coursework tailored to their individual experience, needs, and goals, which can include the completion of graduate certificates or degrees at Harvard University. Required training in responsible conduct of research and research rigor will further establish a solid foundation in clinical research. A national pool of candidates will be recruited, with systematic efforts to establish rigorous academic standards together with a breadth of training backgrounds. The 12 mentors in the program have been selected on the basis of their excellence in clinical pain research and strong mentorship track records. They vary in career stage, background, and expertise, coming from fields beyond those traditionally represented in pain research (e.g., psychology, neurology, neuroscience, psychiatry, epidemiology). These mentors are well-positioned to provide training for eight prioritized pain research content areas: (1) Characterizing and ameliorating group differences in pain outcomes, (2) Understanding and treating chronic overlapping pain conditions, (3) Implementing effective interventions for pain and co-morbidities, (4) Characterizing biopsychosocial mechanisms contributing to persistent pain, (5) Optimizing non-opioid pharmacological treatments for pain, (6) Designing and delivering nonpharmacological interventions for pain, (7) Treating pain across the lifespan, and (8) Preventing the transition from acute to chronic pain. Following participation in the program, trainees will be well-positioned to establish a career of independently-funded clinical pain research and enrich the next generation of research leaders and mentors in pain. The program’s long-term goal is to enhance the number clinical pain researchers with interdisciplinary training and excellent team science skills, in order to promote innovative non-opioid solutions for pain management and improve patient care.