T32 training grant in medical genetics.

Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

T32: Research Training Program for Physician Scientists in Medical Genetics; PDs: Eva Morava and Tamas Kozicz PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Genetics and genomics are often hailed as revolutionary approaches with the capacity to transform healthcare across various medical specialties. However, there is a noticeable shortage of physician-scientists specializing in genetics and genomics, particularly in fields such as medicine, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, obstetrics, and oncology. This shortage underscores the urgent need for physician-scientists who can spearhead research programs that harness the expanding body of genetic and genomic knowledge. They should also be adept at translating these insights into novel prevention strategies, advanced medical treatments, and precise therapies. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) has long been a center of excellence in genetics and genomic sciences. The Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences (DoGGS) has successfully administered a T32 training grant for 15 years, under the leadership of Dr. Robert Desnick. This program has trained numerous physician-scientists, equipping them with advanced genetic and genomic expertise and setting many of them up for an independent research career. Building upon this robust foundation and offering exceptional research opportunities and mentorship in genetics and genomic sciences, the primary aim of this renewed Training Program proposal is to seamlessly integrate genetics and genomic sciences into medical research and practice. To achieve this, we will leverage the exceptional academic environment at ISMMS to support the training of scholars with M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or Ph.D. backgrounds. The program's curriculum emphasizes cross-disciplinary training to prepare scholars for the present and future challenges of genetics and genomic sciences, which increasingly require the integration of complementary research skill sets. To meet this demand, we have assembled a distinguished group of mentors not only from within DoGGS but also from nine clinical departments, as well as outstanding multi-disciplinary institutes and centers at ISMMS. Over the course of five years, this program will annually support three scholars (PGY 4 - PGY 6), resulting in a total of 15 candidates. Our comprehensive training program provides a curriculum that combines blended and self-directed learning approaches. It effectively incorporates a strong foundation in genetics and genomic sciences, emphasizing research excellence. Scholars enrolled in this program will be required to allocate a minimum of 80% of their efforts toward fundamental, translational, and/or clinical research endeavors. To ensure their progress, regular quarterly meetings will be conducted with their advisory committee and program directors. This training program, rooted in a successful legacy of training physician-scientists at DoGGS, is dedicated to achieving excellence. It leverages the institution's robust scientific environment and boasts an exceptional faculty, all of which are instrumental in nurturing the next generation of leaders in investigative genetics and genomic sciences. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT