Institutional Training Grant in Pediatric Gastroenterology

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. This application seeks the fourth renewal of the Institutional Training Program (T32) in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) and Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. Our T32 program’s overarching goal is to provide pediatric post-doctoral trainees exceptional training and mentorship to develop or refine their research skills, knowledge, and grantsmanship for successful careers in research related to gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreatic health and diseases in infants and children. Our program capitalizes on the robust physical and scientific environment at the Anschutz Medical Campus, featuring 32 dedicated research faculty members and a talented pool of potential applicants. We request continuation of five training positions to nurture pediatric physician scientists in two pathways: Basic Laboratory Scientists or Clinical/Translational/Health Outcomes Scientists, utilizing CUSOM's resources in basic, translational, clinical, and health outcomes-based research. Research training will focus on four overarching scientific themes: Mechanisms of Tissue Inflammation and Injury, Innate & Adaptive Immunity and Host-Microbiome Research, Clinical/Translational and Health Outcomes Research and Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Our T32 faculty comprises 32 scientists with over $47 million in grant funding and a strong track record of successful mentoring and training. The successes of our trainees include that as of early 2024, 75% of the 40 trainees completing the T32 training will have secured and remain in full-time academic positions. Of the 12 trainees completing the T32 during the current cycle, 5 (42%) have obtained K or K-like awards. To increase success in research careers our program’s basic research experiences are supplemented with graduate courses, seminars, and multidisciplinary meetings. Trainees in clinical-translational or health outcomes research will engage in the Master of Science in Clinical Sciences Graduate Program at CUSOM and utilize the infrastructure of the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. The pediatric GI research training program is structured as a 2-3 year initiative, commencing in the second year of subspecialty fellowship. Eligible candidates primarily come from the distinguished fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology, with potential candidates from related disciplines such as neonatology and nutrition. Fellows receive a minimum of 80% protected time for mentored research training in a structured environment. We closely monitor the quality of educational and research experiences through trainee, mentor, and Executive Committee feedback, with defined metrics and ongoing improvement processes.