Predoctoral Training in the Physiology of Human Health and Disease (PHHD)

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT The study of physiology is at the core of modern biomedical research, which more than ever relies on integrating fundamental concepts of whole animal and organ physiology with sophisticated molecular and cellular approaches to investigate important questions related to human health and disease. Understanding mechanisms underlying the function of various systems in the body that contribute to both normal and pathological physiology is the fundamental prerequisite for all applied research in biomedical sciences allowing scientists to make important and translationally relevant discoveries. The Integrated Physiology PhD Program (IPHY) on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU AMC) is a multidisciplinary PhD training program that prepares students for careers in biomedical research. Students in Integrated Physiology have opportunities to explore how molecules, cells, organ systems, and organisms regulate complex physiological functions through the integration of molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms. Our goal for this T32 program is to provide interdisciplinary training in areas focused on (1) Metabolism, Nutrition, and Obesity; (2) Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal, and GI Physiology; and (3) Reproductive Physiology in an inclusive environment to support a diverse group of IPHY students. Our students and faculty are united by common interests in the understanding of the physiology of human health and disease; this program is designed to train students to become the next leaders contributing to innovative and groundbreaking scientific discoveries. We will accomplish our goal through the following objectives: (1) Improve the national need for interdisciplinary systems biology biomedical research focused on human health and disease; (2) Fill a campus-wide need to advance training in biomedical integrated physiology and translational science at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; (3) Provide student-oriented well-balanced training and career development opportunities; (4) Develop a diverse and inclusive training environment focused on career development. To accomplish these goals, we will establish a program named the Physiology of Human Health and Disease (PHHD) Training Program that will build upon the success of the current IPHY PhD program. The PHHD T32 Training Plan will emphasize five specific areas that will allow trainees to develop professional skills, including project management, leadership, teamwork, and communication, including: i). Knowledge skills; ii). Innovative Technical Research skills; iii). Communication skills; iv). Professional skills; and v). Training in Diversity and Inclusion. The overall vision is to support predoctoral students in an inclusive and diverse environment that facilitates opportunities for a future generation of physiologists to obtain training in integrative and translationally relevant research focused on human health and disease, to foster creative, independent thinking combined with strong communication skills, and to provide career development, professionalism, and leadership opportunities.