University of Miami kidney Innovative & Interdisciplinary Medical Education in Research Activities (UM-KIIMERA)

University Of Miami School Of Medicine, Coral Gables FL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract Nephrology in the United States continues to face substantial difficulties. Interest in nephrology as a subspeciality has declined amid increased global need while interest in a career as physician scientist has also fallen. Enactment of programs at earlier stages of training in areas where the interest is waning should be prioritized. The long-term goal of this renewal proposal is to continue facilitating interest in nephrology among medical school trainees in Florida and to promote academic medical research. To achieve these goals, for the past four years we have engaged a total of 44 first year medical students in a summer program designed to foster interest in nephrology-related research by exposure to basic, clinical, and translational science research opportunities. This state-wide summer research rotation in nephrology was entitled UM-KIIMERA: University of Miami Kidney Innovative & Interdisciplinary Medical Education in Research Activities. To achieve the dual goal of facilitating interest in Nephrology and academic medicine, the specific aims of this program remain to: a) Engage ten first year medical students (five from UM, and 5 from other Florida Institutions) in an eight-week summer research program (b) Retain the engaged students by promoting their participation in Nephrology scholarly activities, attending local and national nephrology meetings, and becoming active members of the local APSA chapter. UM-KIIMERA curriculum has included lectures on clinical, translational and experimental research, a mentor-mentee lunch, a welcome symposium, an eight week experience in a specific research project, a “Closing Day” with brief presentations and an introduction to members of the University of Miami American Physician Scientist Association (APSA) chapter. Several scholarly activities and research opportunities are provided to maintain the student engaged in the program throughout medical school. The program is designed to integrate with and facilitate existing training grants, institutional research opportunities, and research events. An organizing program committee operates under the supervision of an External Advisory Committee (EAC). A curated group of CTSI certified mentors will be made available to the students to select for their research rotation. Outcome metrics collected during the initial cycle were utilized to guide the UM-KIIMERA 2.0 program towards its goals. These outcomes are detailed in the Progress Report portion of this application.