Interdisciplinary studies in hormone function

描述(由申请人提供)： 过去30年来，马萨诸塞大学医学院的内分泌学培训计划的总体目标一直是NRSA的目标，即“……为对国家研究议程产生重大影响的职业生涯做好准备。”该计划的具体目标是培养临床(医学博士)和基础(博士)科学家，他们的研究和/或学术病人护理生涯将改善内分泌疾病和糖尿病的护理和结果。在过去的30年里，我们的大多数学员都在学术研究、政府和工业领域进入了竞争激烈的职业生涯。 该计划提供经典的内分泌学和糖尿病研究机会，但除此之外，还寻求扩大培训的广度，以涵盖临床/翻译性质的尖端概念、技术和计划。马萨诸塞大学医学院经历了设施和研究机会的重大扩展。新计划的特点是利用机构增长，该计划为有才华、训练有素和积极进取的博士后学员提供了丰富的研究经验。重点介绍了四个领域：糖尿病免疫学和胰岛移植、神经内分泌学、细胞信号转导、骨和性腺发育研究。所有领域都处于内分泌研究的国家优先事项的前列。 我们再次建议每年支持3名医学博士和3名博士生，每人2-3年。所有受训人员将在他们的奖学金期间接受个别指导。一个正式的指导委员会将继续监督每个学员的进步。将继续进行一项招生计划，以吸引医科本科生直接进入该项目，并允许在实习期间开始研究。医学博士实习生将有机会参加分子和细胞生物学研究生院的课程，博士实习生将参加特别研讨会，以增强他们将基础研究转化为临床研究的知识。项目教员由18名科学家组成，每个人都是一个重点领域的外部资助权威。我们相信，拟议的组织和教育计划将继续增强我们受训人员的研究经验，并满足国家在这些重要的医疗和研究需求领域对坚定的研究人员和学者的需求。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall objective of the Endocrinology Training Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School for the past 30 year has been that of the NRSA, namely "...to prepare qualified individuals for careers that significantly impact the Nation's research agenda." The Program's specific goal is to train both clinical (M.D.) and basic (Ph.D.) scientists whose research and/or academic patient care careers will improve the care and outcome of endocrine diseases and diabetes mellitus. The majority of our trainees have entered competitive careers in academic research, government, and industry during the past 30 years. The Program offers classical endocrinology and diabetes research opportunities, but in addition seeks to extend the breadth of the training offered to encompass cutting edge concepts, technologies, and programs that are clinical/translational in nature. The University of Massachusetts Medical School has undergone major expansion of facilities and research opportunities. New Program features capitalize on institutional growth, and the Program provides a rich research experience for talented, well-trained, and motivated postdoctoral trainees. Four areas are emphasized: immunology of diabetes and islet transplantation, neuroendocrinology, cell signaling, and developmental study of bone and gonad. All areas are at the forefront of national priorities in endocrine research. We propose again to support 3 M.D. and 3 Ph.D. trainees annually for 2-3 years each. All trainees will be individually mentored throughout their fellowships. A formal mentoring committee will continue to monitor each trainee's progress. A recruitment initiative to attract undergraduate medical students directly to the program will be continued and allow the start of research during residency. M.D. trainees will have access to graduate school coursework in molecular and cellular biology and Ph.D. trainees will attend special seminars to enhance their knowledge of the translation of basic research to the clinic. Program faculty comprise a lean 'core' of 18 scientists, each of whom is an extramurally funded authority in one of the areas of emphasis. We believe that the proposed organizational and educational program will continue to enhance the research experience of our trainees and address the nation's need for committed investigators and academics in these important areas of medical and research need.