Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Training Grant

Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

This application requests continued funding for an innovative and highly successful T32 training program in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (GI) at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The training program, funded by the NIH for 30 years, has consistently produced much-needed academic pediatric gastroenterologists. The Aims of our Program are to: (1) Develop young investigators from clinical and research disciplines, and train future leaders in pediatric digestive disease research. (2) Promote interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists with varied expertise that share relevance to pediatric digestive disease to offer a superior training environment. Through a combination of supervised research, graduate level coursework, and dedicated mentorship provided by a consortium of primary research mentors and scholarship oversight committees, six postdoctoral trainees have a unique opportunity to cultivate lifelong scientific proficiency and leadership over a training period of two years. We have chosen to offer this training across three themes which are aligned with the focus groups of our P30 NIDDK-supported Digestive Health Center (DDRCC), including: 1) Mechanisms of Liver Disease; 2) Digestive Disease and Immunity; and 3) Stem Cell and Organoid Disease Modelling. Research training is pursued on either the Clinical or Basic/Translational Research Tracks. Outcomes, health services, or epidemiological research projects are completed on the Clinical Research track and include a formal program of study leading to either a Master of Science degree, or Certificate, in Clinical and Translational research. Laboratory-based research projects are completed on the Basic/Translational Research track and include a formal program of study leading to a Certificate in Clinical and Translational Research. Each of these didactic programs provides instruction in ethics in research, study design, and statistical analysis to provide training in rigor and reproducibility of the research projects. The depth and quality of the research training is monitored by an interdisciplinary team of outstanding scientists with strong training and mentoring track records. The long-term goal of the program remains to foster the development of outstanding physician-investigators and leaders who will meet the pressing academic workforce demands in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.