Research Training Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Healthcare

Univ Of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

ABSTRACT Building on our strong training track-record, this T32 competitive renewal application, responding to PA-20- 142, requests funding for years 16-20 of the UNC Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (CIH) Research Training Program, to continue training promising pre- and postdoctoral young investigators in research methodology for future academic career success in CIH research. The goal of this T32 Research Fellowship is to cultivate talented, productive, well-trained, independent researchers at both the pre and post-doctoral level as CIH research leaders in investigating efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and implementation of clinical integration of complementary therapies and integrative health-care approaches. Our program highlights an interdisciplinary array of research topics, methodologies and faculty mentors, providing rigorous training in research methods to facilitate exploration of mind-body techniques and CAM natural-product/nutritional therapies and their applications in health promotion, chronic pain, metabolic syndrome, and other high-impact conditions, with emphasis on enhancing access to CIH care in at-risk, underserved populations. The Fellowship provides a comprehensive curriculum featuring: 1) five post-doctoral positions with trainee participation in formal advanced training over two to three years involving research methods, mentoring and biostatistics, including course work in the UNC School of Public Health; 2) two predoctoral trainee positions (expanded from one position), with trainees selected from public health, nursing and other health-professions schools for their faculty-matched interest in CIH clinical research; 3) faculty-mentored, hands-on participation in one or more funded CIH-relevant research projects; 3) coursework in concepts and practices of a wide range of CAM therapies and models of integrative care; 4) interaction with fellows and colleagues from a wide variety of training backgrounds and interests, thus cultivating appreciation of varying CAM research perspectives; 5) strengthening skills in presentation, writing, and analysis of others’ work, amid strong collegial support; and 6) training in practical academic skills, including grant preparation, teaching methodology and dissemination. Key program elements are: a) targeted recruitment of inspired multidisciplinary postdoctoral trainees from both conventional and CAM backgrounds, committed to CIH research; c) recruitment of ethnically diverse, highly motivated pre-doctoral students, who will be closely matched with CIH research mentors; d) early and sustained interaction of trainees with research and career mentors; d) early, sustained focus on productivity and collegiality via a weekly 1.5 hour CIH Fellows Core Seminar, co-led by CIH Research Education Faculty (CREF) and senior post-doc trainees; e) CIH education via CAM/IM practitioner lecture series and exposure to CAM/IM clinical activities; f) skillful utilization of UNC’s highly regarded training resources in biostatistics, clinical, and health services research, with guidance from experienced faculty mentors in research design, implementation, data interpretation, results presentation, research ethics, teamwork and career development.