Interdisciplinary Training in Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration

University Of Florida, Gainesville FL

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Our broad goal is to train a generation of investigators with programs of basic, translational or clinical research in movement disorders. Movement disorders such as Parkinson disease, dystonia, and ataxia impact the ability of individuals to act on the environment. These diseases cause unwanted movements, make desired movements more difficult to perform, and/or affect how we think and process our emotions. Movement disorders research must cross disciplines in order to be effective and enhance the translation of basic science discoveries to help humans move more effectively. This T32 program confronts this problem by bringing together an outstanding group of mentors and predoctoral trainees to foster interdisciplinary training in movement disorders across genetics and molecular biology, translational neuroscience and physiology, and cognitive and movement science. To achieve this goal, we select six trainees annually from a pool of outstanding predoctoral students with diverse backgrounds who are participating in one of six graduate programs. Trainees are eligible for up to 2 years of support. In addition to following doctoral-program specific requirements, T32 trainees will (1) attend monthly T32 meetings focused on experimental design and rigor, career development, and trainee presentations, (2) attend quarterly rigor & reproducibility seminars and annual workshops sponsored by the T32, (3) present at an annual chalk-talk symposium with movement disorders T32 trainees and clinical movement disorders fellows, (4) take the required movement disorders course which involves development of a joint research project, and (5) take additional required courses relating to rigor and reproducibility, statistics, grant writing, and ethics/responsible conduct of research. Trainees also complete a required shadowing experience in movement disorders to better understand the impact of their research and the diseases they are investigating. Each trainee’s doctoral committee includes a biostatistician and faculty mentors who represent at least 2 of the 3 themes of the training program. To enhance rigor, we have a biostatistician who participates across training activities. Other core requirements include development of an individual career development plan, publications and presentations at professional and scientific conferences (including the NINDS workshop), and career development and networking opportunities. The Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration training program capitalizes on existing clinical and research strengths of faculty of the Fixel Institute and the Center for Movement Disorders and eight designated clinical and research centers of excellence (in Parkinson disease, Lewy body dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, ataxia, Tourette syndrome, dystonia, Huntington disease), outstanding animal research facilities, world class neuroimaging, and a strong interdisciplinary environment. Taken together, the experiences provided by the training program provide a rich foundation in research conceptualization and design, oral and written communication, and mentorship that is fundamental to the advancement of research in the etiology and treatment of movement disorders.