Training Program in Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology

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ABSTRACT This renewal proposal for the Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology Training Program provides exceptional basic, translational and clinical research training to post-doctoral fellows interested in research careers studying rheumatic diseases and autoimmunity. Now in its 15th year, the training program leverages Stanford’s rich research and training culture to provide the environment to train the next generation of academic independent investigators in rheumatology and Immunology. The program focuses on training rheumatology and immunology MD/MD PhD fellows, as well as MD/MD PhD or PhD fellows from other departments who have strong commitments to these research areas. Physician fellows are eligible at the end of their clinical training and must commit to 2 years of training with >80% protected research time. Fellows can select a training track in either Basic and Translational Research (Track 1) or Clinical Investigation (Track 2). Training in each track is comprised of a hypothesis-driven research project, required and recommended course work, and skill development (e.g., grant application and manuscript preparation) required for a successful independent research career. Trainees in Clinical Investigation (Track 2) are eligible for obtaining a Master of Science (MS) in Epidemiology or in Health Services Policy Research. Other trainees in Track 2 have selected course work from the MS curriculum. Trainees in either track also have the option of pursuing a MS in Biomedical Informatics. In addition to course work, all trainees in both Tracks are required to attend weekly lectures in rheumatic diseases, journal clubs, the interdepartmental Stanford Immunology Program annual retreat, semiannual T32 fellow specific retreats, the five-day Intensive Course in Clinical Research, and Responsible Conduct of Research courses. Multiple other offerings specific to Track 1 include advanced immunology seminars in molecular, cellular, and translational immunology or in computational and systems immunology. For Track 2, elective/advanced courses are offered through the Departments of Epidemiology and Health Research Policy that include study design, epidemiologic methods, statistical analysis, clinical trial methodology, outcomes research, health economics, and database design and management. Cross- fertilization between the two tracks is fostered by all trainees having a primary mentor in one of the two tracks and a secondary mentor in the other track. These various courses, conferences, retreats, and venues for presentation will provide opportunities for interactions between the rheumatology and immunology T32 trainees and the many other immunology fellows, faculty and students involved in the broad base of research at Stanford. Faculty mentors are selected carefully for their research expertise and mentoring competencies. Rigorous evaluation of the program identifies opportunities for improvement and progress toward goals.