UT Gastroenterology/Hepatology Research Training Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT The UT Gastroenterology / Hepatology research training program is aimed at producing the next generation of scientific leaders focused on understanding digestive and liver diseases. The program involves a variety of disciplines broadly categorized into two main areas: basic scientific research and patient-oriented clinical and translational research. The training program accepts individuals with a clinical training background in Internal Medicine (M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. candidates), as well as in Pediatrics, Surgery or Pathology. In addition, trainees without clinical training (Ph.D. candidates) are also part of our program. One unique characteristic is the inclusion of a significant proportion of minority trainees, primarily of Hispanic origin. Trainees benefit from a vast array of potential mentors including 45 Faculty that participate directly in this program, as well as a very rich milieu of scientific investigators across our campus. The scientific base of the training program includes research expertise in multiple areas critically important to the field, including 6 main themes: (i) immunity, (ii) microbial effectors, (iii) cancer biology, (iv) metabolism and fatty liver, (v) nutrition and obesity, and, (vi) development and stem cell biology. The training curriculum is flexible, but has two basic components. First, all of our trainees participate in a structured lecture series that highlights cutting edge research in fields of gastroenterology and hepatology, and career development training offered through the postdoctoral affairs office, which includes a course in responsible conduct of research as well as other pertinent training experience for this stage of career development. A number of ad hoc training experiences are also devised to address gaps of individual trainees. In addition to core educational activities, direct training in research takes place primarily under the research mentor’s guidance in a basic laboratory or as part of a clinical research group. Typically, our trainees devote 2 to 3 years to their research training. The basic science training experience includes learning a variety of techniques in biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, as well as participation in works-in-progress seminars and national or international scientific meetings relevant to the particular discipline. On the other hand, clinical and translational research involves formal training in study design, including ethics and biostatics, through formal training programs offered at our University. Finally, for our trainees with a clinical background in Internal Medicine, this research training program is integrated with our clinical fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, which includes a minimum of 18 months of dedicated clinical rotations. Therefore, in most instances the training period will last from 4 to 6 years for the six individuals for whom support is being requested. Altogether, this program is designed to train individuals who will be effective investigators and academic leaders in the fields of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.