Research Training in Gastroenterology

Baylor College Of Medicine, Houston TX

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

This is the third competing renewal application for Years 16-20 of a research training program aimed at equipping highly qualified MDs and PhDs to conduct state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary research accelerating the discovery and translation of science into actionable strategies to prevent and treat digestive diseases and assume leadership roles in epidemiology and health services research applied to digestive disease. Postdoctoral trainees, a mix of MDs and PhDs, are supported for 2 years. Mentors (4 MD/MPH, 2 MD/MS, 3 MD/PhD and 6 PhDs) represent a multidisciplinary group of experienced investigators from several departments at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and University of Texas (UT), all with well-funded research programs that cover broad areas of research including epidemiology, health services research, translational research, biomedical informatics, and implementation science related to several digestive disorders. Faculty members have outstanding mentoring histories, and actively participate in training programs. Program Directors jointly oversee the program’s operations, including recruitment, curriculum, and mentoring team selection and evaluation. Major administrative decisions, such as selection of trainees, are handled by the Training Advisory Committee, composed of the Program Directors and three other program faculty. Trainees have individual research mentoring committees, must prepare a written research proposal, take didactic courses in degree programs, and undergo periodic academic and career assessments. They attend and present at research seminars and a monthly journal club. They are selected from a highly competitive applicant pool including a physician scientist training program in the department of medicine at BCM. In the past 4 years, admission to the program has been very competitive, and all available slots were filled with high quality candidates. Three of the four graduates joined the program holding dual degrees (1 MD/MPH, 1 MD/MS, and 1 MD/PhD). The trainees have performed well: one trainee with single MD degree obtained a MPH, one graduate with MD/MPH earned a PhD, and the remaining two completed additional advanced research course work during training. Graduates have excelled academically, publishing original research, presenting at national conferences, and transitioning into academic faculty positions. In this funding cycle, several graduates secured career development awards and research funding. The current proposal introduces new mentors, augments training in biomedical informatics and data science, and expands enrichment activities including an annual research retreat, monthly seminars on innovative scientific methods, and a visiting investigator series.