Training Program in Patient-Oriented Research in Cardiovascular Endocrinology

Title: Training Program in Patient-Oriented Research in Cardiovascular Endocrinology Abstract For some time, keen observers of the academic scene have been sounding alarm over an impending manpower crisis in patient-oriented research reflected in steadily declining numbers of clinical investigators since 2000, potentially jeopardizing a highly successful national enterprise of clinical medicine and drug discovery. In spite of these concerns, the number of T32 programs in patient-oriented research (~3% of funded T32 grants) has dwindled and today, few programs are aimed at patient-oriented research in cardiometabolic disorders. This new Training Program in Patient-Oriented Research in Cardiovascular Endocrinology aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive, curriculum- and mentor-based training in all aspects of patient-oriented research. The program is founded upon 4 pillars: 1) 16 dedicated NIH-funded primary mentors committed to individualized mentoring; 2) motivated trainees committed to lifelong careers as academic investigators in patient-oriented research; 3) 3 NIH-funded early career investigators committed to developing careers as research mentors; and 4) 6 scientists with expertise in the relevant content areas who will serve as content experts within the trainee's mentoring team. The program's implementation is led by two co-directors (Adler and Bhasin), and 2 committees: Operations Committee (responsible for program administration/ direction, trainee selection, and program evaluation); Career Development / Mentoring Committee (CDMC, responsible for trainee mentoring and career development). The program includes: 1) a didactic curriculum-based learning; 2) research training in setting of mentored research project/s; and 3) an individualized career development plan. Each trainee develops an Individual Development Plan with the guidance of their Mentoring Team, which includes primary mentor, co- mentor, content expert, and CDMC advisor. The curriculum-based learning includes training in ethics in research, genetics and epigenetics, biostatistics and statistical genetics, endocrinology, nutrition and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology. Trainees are encouraged to create a trainee-specific curriculum utilizing courses at Mass General Brigham and affiliated academic medical centers. All trainees are required to complete coursework in patient-oriented translational research, biostatistics, Omics technologies, and a specific course in cardiovascular endocrinology. The Program includes structured evaluations of trainees, mentors and the program. Trainee selection is based on recommendation letters, previous training, research interests, commitment to patient-oriented research, and a personal interview. The program's strengths include 2 experienced program co-directors and outstanding mentors with NIH funding, a stellar publication record, and success in training mentees who have advanced to successful academic careers and NIH funding; outstanding institutional infrastructure to support research and training, and a large pool of qualified candidates at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and affiliated academic medical centers.