Molecular Biology in Burns and Trauma

University Of Florida, Gainesville FL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This Ruth Kirschstein NRSA training Program in its 14th year proposes to take primarily surgeons and other critical care medicine physicians during the second or third year of their general residency programs, and expose them to two, three and even four years of mentored research in inflammation biology with highly productive basic science mentors focused on inflammation-related topics. The overall research program will focus on mastery of molecular biology, functional genomics and gene regulation, as it applies broadly to inflammation research. Three training positions are requested. This program will take advantage of the unique strengths of the College of Medicine in the expanding field of functional genomics and molecular biology, as well as the collaborations between basic scientists and clinicians committed to the training of future clinical academicians. Select trainees will have the opportunity to complete a Ph.D. program in the Graduate School in three to four years. The interface between molecular biology and inflammation research will be targeted to trauma, sepsis syndromes, ischemia/reperfusion injury, vascular injury, delayed wound healing and the burn wound. The faculty will be drawn from funded basic scientists in the Surgery, Medicine, Pathology, Periodontology, and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Departments, who will serve as research mentors to the trainees. Clinical mentors from the Surgery, Medicine and Pathology Departments will interact with the trainees and the research faculty to assure that the trainees are being exposed to clinically-important issues in inflammation research. Overall direction of the program will rest with the Program Director and the Executive Committee. Candidates for the fellowship will be recruited nationally and from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Successful applicants with the Executive Committee will identify a research and clinical mentor who will help formulate a formal training program and periodic review of the trainee's progress. The bulk of the training program will be in the laboratory of an experienced research mentor, but trainees will also be required to fulfill basic course work in research ethics and statistical methods, and will be encouraged to obtain supplemental didactic training in molecular biology. Furthermore, trainees are expected to participate in basic science seminars in the Emerging Pathogens Institute and Genetics Institute, and in their own basic science departments, as well as laboratory research meetings. They will also be expected to attend clinical seminars, including Surgery and Critical Care Medicine Grand Rounds and the Department of Surgery Academic Research Conference. It is anticipated that successful graduates will possess sufficient research skills to compete for transitional funding in inflammation research.