Biomedical Data Science Training Program for Precision Health Equity

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ABSTRACT (PROJECT DESCRIPTION) Novel computational and statistical techniques are essential for enabling the translation of recent scientific dis- coveries across the widening spectrum of observations from both conventional information sources (e.g., elec- tronic health records) and emergent methods (e.g., genomics, mHealth, etc.). Indeed, biomedical informatics and data science are now foundational to both clinical care as well as in the advancement of scientific knowledge related to human health and disease. These methods are empowering more individually-tailored insights that can better guide healthcare delivery – the mainstay of precision health. Still, there remains an effective transla- tional gap that must be overcome, as today’s biomedical informaticians and data scientists need to better under- stand how to develop algorithms and tools for equitable precision medicine across the wide diversity spectrum of individuals. The UCLA Biomedical Data Science Training Program for Precision Health Equity is aimed directly at this pur- pose, fostering a new type of scientist trained at the intersection of contemporary computational approaches, biomedical informatics, public health, and precision medicine. Our trainees will be equipped with a technical depth that embraces these areas alongside an ability to translate such approaches to affect the transform of healthcare policy and practice with a goal for equitable medicine for all patients. To that end, this T15 brings together leading scientists and clinicians from across our institution and key areas to provide training in a com- prehensive, interdisciplinary manner that offers students a core curriculum in topics in clinical informatics, trans- lational bioinformatics, clinical research informatics, and public health informatics. It will afford trainees opportu- nities to see the pragmatic issues surrounding precision health and to learn how to address these barriers through innovative research and engagement. Didactic coursework and hands-on research experiences are shaped to reinforce technical and communication skills, team science, and a deep appreciation for the socio- technological concerns increasingly intertwined with precision health. As biomedical informatics and data science evolves, this T15 sees to an important area of growth that must be tackled to better serve the larger populous. Our program also makes a further commitment to diversity and equity through our broad inclusion efforts – a fundamental consideration if precision health is to ultimately be representative of everyone. Our trainees will be instilled with the critical ability to be forward-thinking, independent scientists who effectively contribute to trans- formation, working to improve every individual’s well-being through improve computational methods. Building on our faculty’s extensive experience in mentorship and establishment of groundbreaking scientific directions, this T15 is set to establish new scientific leaders who will drive needed change to enable precision health paradigms.