Administrative Core

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORE The proposed Northwest COmprehensive Research training in Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Science (NCOR-KUH) Program will be uniquely positioned to innovate research training to advance discovery in kidney, urologic and hematologic (KUH) diseases. The GOALS of the Administrative Core are to address the following barriers inherent in current research training models: (1) institutional and scientific “silos;” that stifle innovation and constrain trainee development; and (2) informal program goals and evaluations. To overcome institutional and scientific silos, the Administrative Core will integrate five affiliated institutions (with >$2 billion collectively of annual research funds) in the Seattle area. The lead institution will be the University of Washington (UW), the only medical educational institution in a 5-state region in the Northwest U.S. and a world-class research institution. UW will partner with Seattle Children’s Hospital, Puget Sound Veterans Administration, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Bloodworks Northwest, each of which has specialized research focus and robust research infrastructure to further enrich the training environment in the NCOR-KUH Program. We will leverage, integrate and expand the individual strengths of each of the five affiliated Seattle institutions to accelerate KUH research training, mentorship, networking, and professional development. Foundational relationships that will facilitate integration of these institutions include: (1) partner institutions share research and educational missions with the UW; (2) faculty from partner institutions hold academic appointments at the UW; (3) clinical and research trainees work across these institutions; and (4) all training grants are based at UW. To further unite and expand KUH science across these institutions, we will implement a transparent and inclusive strategy for governance and communication that includes formation of a Steering Committee comprised of the MPIs, Core leaders, Institutional Representatives, with representation across adult and pediatric KUH science. The Administrative, Professional Development, Network and TL1 Cores of the Program will be integrated using a collaboration plan based on a shared vision for success. Existing KUH training programs are further limited by informal program goals and ineffective strategies for evaluation. The Administrative Core will define clear benchmarks and 5-year goals, relying on qualitative and quantitative evaluations evaluation tools to assess progress towards these goals. The Program will undergo rigorous annual reviews and feedback from a Scientific Internal Advisory Board, a Scientific External Evaluation Board and a Patient External Evaluation Board. We will organize annual meetings with other KUH U2C/TL1 training programs leaders and U2C/TL1 trainees to further support collaboration and sharing of ideas. The Administrative Core will be led by the overall NCOR-KUH MPIs, Drs. Nisha Bansal and Bryan Kestenbaum, who are experienced KUH physician-scientists with extensive expertise in administrative leadership, research and research training, education and mentoring.