Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging Research Training Program

Brigham And Women'S Hospital, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US and worldwide. Non-invasive imaging provides valuable information to assess differential diagnosis and guide management. However, there is a gap in academically-oriented CV imaging training programs that are able to train specialists with the knowledge base, experience, research tools, analytical and leadership skills to fully develop, apply, and evaluate the increasingly complex gamut of CV imaging possibilities. This is the third competing renewal application for this T32 program. This program offers post-doctoral research training for individuals with an MD, or combined MD/PhD degrees, who have completed clinical training in cardiology, radiology, or CV imaging who are committed to pursuing an academic career in CV imaging science. Our goal is to continue to provide outstanding opportunities for multi- disciplinary research training for clinician-scientists in CV imaging with the clinical and investigative skills to establish independent careers, mentor others, and lead their own programs. Since initial funding in 2010, we have graduated 32 post-doctoral fellows. Key indicators of the effectiveness of this program include: (1) 24/32 graduates remain involved in academic medicine and science, and 1 is completing additional clinical training; (2) 16/32 fellows who completed the program have received research funding including 13 with K awards or similar (AHA), 5 with both K and AHA awards, and 4 received ACC mentor award. 5/32 graduates have received R01 funding; (3) the grant has sponsored 188 unique publications in top peer review journals; (4) 50% of our graduates hold leadership roles in their respective imaging programs, and 38% have prominent leadership roles in professional organizations and others; (5) 40% of all 38 trainees in the program are women and 16% of Hispanic or Latino. Our mentors are primarily comprised of cardiologists and radiologists, but also include faculty from disciplines outside CV imaging including clinical and basic scientists. All the mentors have a strong track record of research collaborations. We offer research training opportunities in 9 thematic areas: (1) molecular imaging, (2) myocardial structure, function, and metabolism, (3) genetics, (4) pulmonary hypertension, (5) ischemic heart disease, (6) outcomes research, (7) women’s health, (8) cardiometabolic medicine, (9) radiomics and artificial intelligence. The proposed program supports 3 positions/year for 2 years of continued research training. With this renewal, we continue our primary goals of providing leadership in academic CV imaging and training future leaders in imaging science to improve outcomes in CV disease.