Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Training Grant

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Project Summary The T32 Training Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Stanford University (Endocrine T32) serves a national need to train physician and basic scientists in the fields of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism. The Endocrine T32 has a remarkable 46-year record of rigorous scientific training; producing numerous current and emerging endocrine research leaders. The goal of this renewal is steadfast pursuit of this critical purpose. The Endocrine T32, the only postdoctoral research training program in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism at Stanford, is integrated into an extraordinary research environment, including the Stanford Diabetes Research Center, and unparalleled training activities, seminars and resources. The training program will provide M.D. and Ph.D. postdoctoral trainees (four per year, evenly split), a uniquely rich and supportive environment to learn innovative research approaches. Supported by the Endocrine T32 for two years, trainees will pursue cutting-edge research in the laboratories of remarkably accomplished investigators and experienced mentors. The training faculty include 28 investigators from nine basic science and clinical Departments, whose interests converge on four themes (Islet and Beta-cell Biology; Obesity, Metabolism and Diabetes Complications; Interventional and Population Diabetes; Endocrinology and Population Health Sciences); integrating a wide spectrum of diabetes- and endocrinology-focused laboratory, clinical, translational, epidemiologic and health disparities research. Mentors will participate in formal training workshops to ensure supportive and inclusive training. Trainees will receive a structured curriculum of study that includes weekly seminars, an Endocrine T32 specific series (where they present and critique the work of others) and career-pertinent didactic courses, including the Responsible Conduct of Research, biostatistics and computation/computer programming. These efforts foster a stimulating, cohesive and productive training experience that engenders the knowledge and skills necessary to emerge research leaders. To safeguard trainee success, they will formulate a Career Development Committee that assesses research progress, encourages professional development and co-navigates the trepid transition to independence. Over the past 15 years, 85% of our trainees have remained in science; to continue this success, trainees will develop and submit Career Award applications through participation in grant-writing bootcamp. In recognition of the challenging, long gestation of (physician) scientists, robust (>$300,000 per year) institutional support that augments trainee salary and bridge funding will be provided. The Program will take concrete steps to address a historic lack of inclusivity, including Internal and External Advisory Committees with expertise in the recruitment and retention of underrepresented individuals and that ensure programmatic accountability. The goal of this Training Grant is to educate a diverse cadre of promising postdoctoral (physician) scientists that become the future leaders of academic, governmental and industrial in endocrine research.