Tulane University Training Program for Diversity in tRanslation and Implementation research in cardioVascular disEase (DRIVE)

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Project Summary/Abstract: Despite advances in the identification of risk factors and use of evidence-based strategies to manage cardiovascular (CV) diseases, recent declines in mortality have stalled and race/ethnic disparities endure. Overall, the number of racial and ethnic minorities who are engaged in CV research careers is low. Translation research is a rapidly evolving field which transforms scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into clinical applications, while implementation research promotes the integration of research findings and evidence-based interventions into healthcare policy, public health and clinical settings. A well-trained and diverse workforce of translation and implementation scientists who can test innovative ideas and advance the adoption and practice of proven therapies are sorely needed in Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta region, where CV health indicators are often poorest in the nation and health disparities by race, socioeconomic status and geography are well documented. The overall objective of this application for a new predoctoral T32 training program at Tulane University is to increase the number of translation and implementation researchers from underrepresented backgrounds to build a diverse workforce that can tackle CV health disparities in the region. The Tulane University training program for Diversity in tRanslation and Implementation research in cardioVascular disEase (DRIVE) will draw on the expertise of outstanding investigators to provide trainees from underrepresented backgrounds with the didactics, experience, skills, mentoring and resources they need to become successful researchers in CV translation and implementation sciences. The program will provide in-depth, structured training support for eight predoctoral candidates from diverse and underserved backgrounds, leveraging outstanding investigators and on-going translational research in CV clinical trials (T3) and community-based implementation studies (T4). The DRIVE training program will be rooted in multidisciplinary team science with integration of junior and senior mentors to guide the trainee via their Individualized Development Plan in acquiring critical skills and applying these skills in hands-on research experiences to address CV health disparities across Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta region. The program director will be assisted by an executive operating committee and a committee of external advisors from underrepresented backgrounds with exceptional research careers and experience in mentoring. Mentors will use defined and proven methods to enhance the development and success of the trainees, while all trainees will participate in a series of workshops that teach grant writing, manuscript writing and professional development skills, including best practice strategies to optimize presentations, communications and networking. The proposed training program seeks to contribute to diversifying the translation and implementation workforce, reducing the burden of CV diseases and metabolic risk factors, eliminating health disparities, and improving health equity in Louisiana and the nation.