Training in Translational Science and Cardiovascular Research

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ABSTRACT This proposal seeks support for a well-established training program in translational cardiovascular research for MD and PhD postdoctoral fellows at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The training program has a long history of training excellence and is an essential component of the educational and training activities of The Knight Cardiovascular Institute. Over the past decade, the program has trained many fellows, who have been successful in obtaining independent positions in academics. Our trainees included equal numbers of men and women and MDs and PhDs, and included fellows from under-represented minority groups. We request funding for 6 post-doctoral fellows per year (3 positions for two years each). The program offers exciting opportunities for bench to bedside, multidisciplinary training in one of three established Training Hubs that specialize in: 1) Cardiovascular Regulation, which includes physiological regulation, ischemia-reperfusion and hypertension, 2) Cardiovascular Inflammation, which includes atherosclerosis, diabetes, thrombosis, and viral infections with relevance to cardiovascular disease (including COVID-19), and 3) Cardiovascular Development, which includes cardiovascular genetics, genomics and fetal programming. The faculty mentors are highly recognized and funded scientists who have a strong track record of training postdoctoral fellows. The program is highly interdisciplinary and mentors' expertise cover a wide range of the translational spectrum. Laboratory research is supplemented by course work, seminars, journal club, and meetings within a specific science group. Course work includes research design, biostatistics, cardiovascular physiology and genetics. All trainees participate in responsible conduct of research training, scientific writing, entrepreneurship and team science and leadership training. This program is unique at OHSU in that mentoring is carried out by a multidisciplinary team, and because training is specifically designed to translate basic cardiovascular research into clinical benefit. The primary mentor will be assisted by at least two co-mentors, who complement the primary mentor's expertise by bringing clinical, basic science or technical expertise. The training outcome will be scientists with a broad outlook and a focus on bringing science to the bedside. The application includes a strong recruitment plan for underserved minority trainees and an evaluation process. A Program Advisory Committee monitors the progress of every trainee as they meet specific mileposts in preparation for a research career. In summary, the proposed cardiovascular research training program will provide a unique opportunity for multidisciplinary training, and successful trainees will be well equipped to initiate independent research careers in translational cardiovascular research.