Professional Development

Leveraging the past success of Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) four major teaching hospitals and basic science departments, the Professional Development Core (PDC) will focus on preparing trainees for a smooth entry into the program and supporting them with a series of resources and individualized opportunities to optimize research and career development experiences within the program. This Core will produce a tailored combination of formal programs, seminars, and networking events, and personal interactions with faculty and other trainees including opportunities for introduction to and acquisition of data analytic and other technical skills integrated with an online informational and learning hub. Trainees will be exposed to and explore complementary sciences and technologies through intentional interactions with peers and mentors in other research areas, creating multiple cross-discipline opportunities. These interactions are designed to inspire innovation and promote entrepreneurship. The PDC will support the ongoing development and training of trainees and mentors through the following Aims. Aim 1: Coordinate the selection of trainees, composition of Individual Oversight Committee (IOC) and Individual Training Plans (ITP). The PDC will adopt a structured approach to assist trainees in project and mentor selection, and in formation of the IOC. Emphasis will be placed on trainee educational goals ensuring an individualized training experience, and an ITP will be created with input from mentors, trainees, and technical experts. Formal evaluative tools will be used to monitor trainee experiences, trainee progress and mentor effectiveness which will inform the evolution of the overall program. Aim 2: Develop and present specific course curricula, interactive events, and materials to enhance trainee education. In collaboration with the Network Core, the PDC will develop new didactic experiences in areas important for the immediate and long-term success and competitiveness of academic researchers with an introductory KUH minicourse, twice monthly seminar series and annual retreat. These will benefit from input from the Industry/Entrepreneurism Council and Patient Input Council. The Core will also leverage existing Harvard ecosystem resources summarized on the HKUHTI web Hub to ensure training in scientific writing, mentoring and team science. Aim 3: Provide technical electives that reduce barriers for incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies into trainee career development. The PDC will offer a variety of curated opportunities to facilitate trainee competence in data analytics and large databases, as well as exposure to novel technology platforms to enhance training in cross-disciplinary research. These interactions will enhance the trainee’s professional network and create opportunities for interdisciplinary connections among Kidney, Urology and Hematology disciplines. The PDC will work closely with other Cores to develop multi-disciplinary trainees at various stages of career development with a deep passion for innovation and team-based KUH research.