The Unified Medical Ultrasound Technology Development (UNMUTED) Predoctoral Training Program

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ABSTRACT Ultrasound is one of the most widely used medical imaging modalities worldwide, with recent usage growth attributed to swift technology advancements in complementary subdisciplines. Ultrasound technology development continues to advance at lighting pace, with new capabilities rapidly maturing as the latest contributions from a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary fields converge. In concert with ultrasound’s inherent safety, cost efficiency, and portability (which make it the only accessible imaging modality to much of the world’s population), the potential for advanced ultrasound to dramatically impact patient care is enormous. However, to fully realize this potential, such exciting innovations must become commercially available. Therefore, it is vitally important to prepare the next generation of ultrasound engineers to develop ultrasound innovations that are clinically meaningful and commercially relevant. To meet this critical need, the Unified Medical Ultrasound Technology Development (UNMUTED) pre-doctoral training program combines clinically- oriented, world-class instruction in the physics and engineering of medical ultrasound technology development with preparation for commercial translation. Importantly, training is done in the context of The Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina, a prominent biotechnology hub and home to an unrivaled consortium of ultrasound technology experts. By participating in the UNMUTED predoctoral training program, trainees will uniquely gain the collaborative, technical, and commercialization skills necessary to transition their work from advanced research and development to commercially available products that meaningfully impact patient care. Specific Aim #1 is to give trainees first-hand experience communicating and collaborating with physician scientists to identify new ultrasound applications that meet clinically important needs. Specific Aim #2 is to provide trainees an unparalleled foundation in the physics and engineering of medical ultrasound to move from initial ideation, to feasible implementation, to clinical validation. Specific Aim #3 is to prepare trainees to commercially translate advanced ultrasound technologies through a combination of didactic training and mentorship by ultrasound entrepreneurs and industry experts. Additional professional skills development, including in effective written and oral communication, scientific rigor, and the responsible conduct of research, will be a highlight of the training experience. UNMUTED will be administered by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering and directed by Dr. Caterina Gallippi, a Professor in the UNC, NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering and a seasoned expert in medical ultrasound technology development with extensive experience in doctoral education. Dr. Gallippi will be assisted by two Associate Directors and a Senior Advisory Committee.