Career Enhancement

CAREER ENHANCEMENT ABSTRACT There is a critical need for investigators prepared to conduct clinical and translational research and this challenge is exacerbated for rare diseases such as myasthenia gravis (MG). Key barriers in MG research include the need for investigators skilled in translational research, clinical trials, and biomarker discovery that will allow us to better understand disease progression or develop improved therapeutics. The primary objective of the Myasthenia Gravis network (MGNet) Career Enhancement Core (CEC) is to enhance expertise and training for investigators focused on MG and other rare diseases and promote their pathway to becoming independent investigators. A cornerstone of the program is the mentored research apprenticeship with MGNet investigators focused on research strengths in clinical trials and biomarker studies that offer great promise for new therapeutics. The MGNet coordinates a training program among five sites with outstanding investigators and resources in CTSAs. Strong mentor development programming will stimulate faculty preceptors understanding of each scholars needs. Scholars will complete additional enrichment activities and career development pathways leading to successful academic investigators. The long-term goal is to stimulate scholar interest and research training to support the future careers of investigators focused in MG research. These objectives will be pursued through the following specific aims: 1) hands-on mentored research experiences in myasthenia gravis, 2) structured career development which persists beyond the initial application throughout the fellowship experience, and 3) real-time and post award tracking of fellow performance to allow for process improvement of the MG Net CEC. The MGNet CEC will utilize relevant research education resources among participating institutional CTSAs. Professional development workshops will highlight skill building in clinical research, biomarker discovery, science writing, and the preparation of effective research funding applications. The core will evaluate the impact of research experience against research competencies and milestones to continuously improve the training program, while assessing the achievements and career outcomes of scholars. Taken together these activities will help promote MG research and insure our next generation of MG and related rare disease researchers.