Postdoctoral Training in Cardiometabolic Science

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This innovative T32 proposal addresses a critical need to train emerging postdoctoral scientists to become leaders in cardiometabolic science. At the intersection between cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders lies excess morbidity and mortality, best addressed by successful scientists and research integrated in these areas. Our proposal addresses 3 aspects of the training need: First, these scientists require training from both cardiovascular and metabolic researchers. Second, training must occur in an environment where relevant interdisciplinary collaborations among successful mentors are already underway. Third, the advancement of women scientists must be actively pursued by both men and women to maximize the talent pool. Drs. Hsueh and Raman, internationally-recognized, established investigators in diabetes/metabolism and cardiovascular medicine, have brought together a team of NIH-funded cardiovascular and metabolic researchers at the Ohio State University (OSU), with a dual mentorship training design that gives trainees essential cross-disciplinary scientific and professional guidance. OSU’s environment for cardiometabolic training is unparalleled, with faculty in the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and the Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center (Hsueh, Director) engaged in NHLBI-funded research across basic, translational, and clinical disciplines. To advance women in cardiometabolic science, this T32 leverages a number of programs across OSU including a predoctoral T32 program for diversity in cardiovascular science led by co- investigator Dr. Rafael-Fortney. Faculty mentors have been chosen specifically both for their productive track records and for research publication productivity and NIH award success of their trainees. We will enroll 2 new postdoctoral trainees per year for 2 years’ training, with a 3rd slot supported by OSU College of Medicine (COM, PhD) and Department of Internal Medicine (DOIM, MD or MD-PhD) funding. Recognizing that physician scientists may be less competitive for a first K award due to inadequate research time, a third year of postdoctoral training, covered by DOIM funds, is provided for physician trainees. OSU’s success in attracting physicians willing to invest the needed time in research training is evident by such successful entities as the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP). Highlights of this T32 include clear milestones, development of a formal course in Cardiometabolic Science that distinguishes this program as an independent discipline, regulatory sessions, and effective efforts across many institutional layers to change culture towards advancement of women in cardiometabolic science. Individualized development plans are assessed by metrics such as publications, career development awards, completion of coursework and workshop, and transition to research and academic careers. Our faculty, infrastructure, leadership, trainee pool, and unique scientific focus will deliver male and female cardiometabolic scientists and fill a critical postdoctoral training gap.