Scientist Training in Rheumatology Research

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This application is for an administrative supplement to the University of Michigan's Program for Scientist Training in Rheumatology Research (T32AR007080). Our Program, funded by NIAMS since 1975, is designed to prepare outstanding postdoctoral scientists, both MD and PhD, for investigative careers in research related to rheumatic diseases. Our Program is motivated by several key factors including (i) the tremendous clinical need caused by the unrelenting burden of rheumatic diseases; (ii) an appreciation that rheumatic diseases are propelled by complex processes in need of multidisciplinary approaches; and (iii) a threatened pipeline of diverse investigators committed to careers that will be devoted to rheumatology research. The short-term goal of this administrative supplement is to provide increased opportunities for training focused on the study of the mechanisms, measurement, and treatment of pain within our existing NIAMS T32 Training Program. The long-term goal is to develop a diverse research workforce that has the skills and content expertise needed to address the existing gaps in these areas. The goal of Aim 1 is to develop new, scalable educational activities that will allow trainees (both internal and external) to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to integrate the study of pain into their research careers. Specifically, a team led by Dr. David Williams (contact PI for the National HEAL K12 Program) will convert their highly successful University of Michigan course, Introduction to Pain: Mechanisms, Measurement, and Treatment, into an online curriculum designed to keep pace with the everchanging field of clinical pain research. This version 1.0 will be the foundational curriculum for K and T32 pain scholars at the University of Michigan, as well as nationally through the Positively Uniting Researchers of Pain to Opine, Synthesize, & Engage (PURPOSE) network. The goal of Aim 2 is to add an additional trainee to our existing Program. We have identified a highly qualified candidate, Dr. Jacob Aday, who will begin training with one of our existing mentors, Dr. Daniel Clauw. Within the scope of our Program, Drs. Aday and Clauw have conceived an innovative project developed around a cutting-edge clinical trial of psychedelic-assisted therapy for fibromyalgia. Dr. Aday is committed to pursuing a career as a pain researcher under the NIAMS mission and has developed a plan for the experiential learning, coursework, and mentorship that are necessary for him to achieve his timely goal.