Pathobiology of Occlusive Vascular Disease

This proposal is for continuation of a multi-disciplinary postdoctoral research training program in cardiovascular sciences that annually supports six (MD, DDS, DVM, PhD) research fellows. The program has a rich and sustained record of success training young scientists and future leaders over the past 40 years. Of trainees in the past ten years, 95% (36/38) are currently in science/medicine; 8% are physician scientists, 45% received independent funding while supported by the program, 52% (17/33) assumed faculty positions upon graduation, and trainees average two peer-reviewed publications per year while in the program. Here we provide plans to sustain and enrich this robust cardiovascular research training program with postdoctoral training in the well-funded, interactive laboratories of 30 internationally recognized leaders and cardiovascular scientists from the Departments of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Cell Systems & Anatomy, Endodontics, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Neurosurgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Population Health Sciences, and Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In brief, principal components of the training program include: (1) active participation with graded responsibility in the research laboratory of experienced investigators; (2) a commitment to collaboration and the use of multidisciplinary research approaches; (3) continuing research-in-progress seminars, and dissemination of findings at national/international meetings and in print; (4) integrated journal club series on topics in cardiovascular science; (5) didactic courses and seminars in the responsible conduct of research, scientific rigor and reproducibility, scientific communication, and grantsmanship/peer review; (6) a group mentoring environment with rigorous mentorship plans; (7) preparation of an individual development plan (IDP) and the comprehensive, routine evaluation of trainee progress; (8) submission of an independent grant; (9) development of scientific networks and continuing training in career stewardship; (10) the continued evaluation and teaching of mentoring skills to faculty preceptors and trainees; and (11) the active recruitment of meritorious trainees and faculty. Program research and training focus on eight overlapping investigative themes: (1) Cardiac Arrhythmias, Fibrosis and Failure; (2) Coronary Artery Disease and Atherosclerosis; (3) Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke; (4) Diabetes, Metabolism and Obesity; (5) Renovascular and Neurogenic Hypertension; (6) Neural Cardiovascular Reflexes; (7) Cardiorenal Dysregulation; and (8) Bacterial and Viral Heart Disease. Integration of these themes is essential to understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. Given the complexities, and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease, the goal of this training program is to continue to provide scientists with the necessary competencies and breadth of expertise required for future biomedical research.