Cutaneous Biology and Skin Disease Training Program

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We believe that a new model is needed for training the cutaneous biologists of the future. The model of being either a researcher or a clinician ought to be supplanted by one where talented and enthusiastic individuals have exposure to the information, techniques and colleagues necessary for the growing need for collaborative science. In addition, there is a clear need for a program that is suitable for physician postdoctoral fellows, especially since CTSA funded K awards are extremely limited. To develop such a cadre, we propose a novel training program with a customized curriculum of investigative and clinically relevant experiences, individually tailored to each trainee and focused on a clinica area or disease process. Specifically, each curriculum will comprise 1) laboratory-based research, guided by their Mentor and Mentoring Committee composed of program members with complementary strengths and expertise; 2) didactics chosen with the translational aspects of that research project in mind; and 3) clinical involvement (for physician trainees) complementary to the research project. In addition to providing our trainees with rigorous scientific instruction in the specific area of their choosing, we shall mentor and guide them to ensure a successful transition to productive investigative careers, preparing them for independent skin biology and skin disease related biomedical research. We propose to engage three MD, PhD or MD/PhD trainees annually into a two-year postdoctoral training program. We have assembled a stellar team of mentors in broad areas relevant to cutaneous biology and skin diseases, and an innovative guidance program to ensure that we grow mentors as well as trainees.