Training Program in Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host

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PROJECT SUMMARY Our interdisciplinary training program, based at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch), focuses on Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host. Our objective is to recruit and train outstanding physician-scientists and postdoctoral PhD scientists to perform basic, translational and clinical research, using state-of-the-art methods and analytical techniques. Our overarching goal is to train the next generation of leaders in the field, who will use their expertise to advance our understanding of infectious disease biology and pathogenesis, and to develop novel strategies to prevent, treat and control infectious diseases in high-risk immunocompromised patients. There is increasing demand for research training in this field: infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for immunocompromised hosts, and millions are at risk or affected by established pathogens and emerging pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The population of immunocompromised individuals in the United States continues to grow, driven by advances in transplantation techniques and cancer treatments, increased survival of these patients, and the development of novel drugs and biological agents to treat autoimmune diseases. As part of an NCI-designated cancer consortium whose renowned faculty have contributed landmark advances in the field of infectious diseases of the immunocompromised host for the past 40 years, and whose expertise collectively encompass all facets of this field, Fred Hutch is uniquely positioned to successfully lead this training program. In partnership with the University of Washington (UW), the Infectious Disease Sciences Program of Fred Hutch has an excellent, multi-decade track record of training physician-scientists and postdoctoral PhD scientists who launch independent research careers in academia, government research, or industry leadership positions. Our funded T32 grant has allowed us to expand our training program and solidify funding for trainees in this specialized area of infectious diseases. We seek to maintain this high standard of training; the T32 will support 2 new, qualified trainees (MDs and/or PhDs) per year, for 3 years of training each. T32 trainees pursue one of three consolidated research tracks that represent the unique strengths of our immunocompromised host program and its mentors: 1) Clinical Research, Infection Prevention, and Stewardship; 2) Immunology/Immunogenetics; and 3) Microbiome and Pathogenesis. These tracks provide training in unique aspects of this field and will assure that trainees develop expertise in epidemiology, diagnosis, management and host-pathogen interactions. All trainees participate in a rigorous core curriculum consisting of courses, lectures, retreats, research and targeted career development activities; trainees also have the opportunity to complete a master’s degree at UW. Our training program helps to address the national need for researchers that focus their clinical and/or laboratory investigation on Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host, and provides those trainees with the skills and expertise to successfully transition into independent research careers.