Stanford Women's Reproductive Health Research Career Development Program

PROJECT SUMMARY Overview: The principal mission of the Women’s Reproductive Health Research at Stanford (WRHRS) Program is to provide state-of-the-art, mentored, multidisciplinary research career development for outstanding junior clinician-scientists who will impact and improve women’s reproductive health. Thirty-six Faculty Mentors and 7 Advisory Committee members (5 internal; 2 external) representing 3 Schools, 15 Departments, and 8 Institutes at Stanford will collaborate to mentor junior faculty-level clinician-investigators (“WRHRS Scholars”) to acquire the skills and experience needed to transition into productive, independent physician-scientists able to sustain viable careers and mentor future generations. Training Program and Candidate Pool: The WRHRS Program cultivates excellence in basic, clinical, translational, data science, and epidemiology research to address the national shortage of qualified investigators in women’s reproductive health. The Program includes a structured training plan of sufficient duration to achieve independence; individualized didactic education based on skills, competencies, and needs; extensive team-based mentoring; hands-on research; and protected time with immersion in a vibrant research community. Stanford has accomplished, dedicated, and well-funded mentors, innovative curriculum, and extensive infrastructure in place to prepare WRHRS Scholars for research independence. Each Scholar will have a multidisciplinary mentor team as well as access to abundant resources and the rigorous research infrastructure of the OB/GYN Department and the University. We have an excellent pipeline of internal Scholar candidates and the means to attract candidates nationally. Two WRHRS Scholars will be supported each year of the 5-year program. Duration of support for each Scholar will average 2-4 years thereby providing training for 4 Scholars. Scholars will pursue one of six Research Focus Areas in which Stanford demonstrates exceptional strength and breadth: 1) Maternal-Child Health & Epidemiology, 2) Reproductive Biology, 3) Gynecologic Health Across the Lifespan, 4) Gynecologic Oncology, 5) Innovative Technology, and 6) Social Medicine. Scholars will develop essential academic skills and a portfolio of research projects to propel their transition to independence. Research progress and career outcomes of Scholars are evaluated on an ongoing basis by Faculty Mentors, Program leadership, and the Advisory Committee. Innovation and Impact: Our Program will catalyze growth of women’s reproductive health research in a vibrant, innovative, and collaborative environment. WRHRS is synergistic with many Stanford School of Medicine programs focused on innovation in precision medicine, global health, data science, artificial intelligence, and biotechnical innovation. Our cadre of WRHRS Scholars will be well poised to improve the reproductive health of women over the lifespan.