Training in Pharmacological Sciences

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Project Summary/Abstract: The long-term goal of this training program is to develop members of a diverse workforce with rigorous training in an area of biomedical science and to foster a deep understanding of the principles of pharmacology to create scientists who will be well positioned to participate in the process of moving basic science discoveries to much needed therapies. This training will be accomplished in an interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that brings together trainees from multiple institutions who represent a broad range of scientific interests and a shared desire to understand the principles that underlie the development of safe and effective therapies. A cohort of 3 trainees will be appointed for the second and third year of their graduate training, a stage in their training where pharmacology-specific training is best delivered and solidified. We aim to train scientists equipped with the principles of the discipline of pharmacology who are uniquely prepared to identify and solve research questions in the biomedical sciences. Mastery of the principles of pharmacology will allow trainees to serve as leaders in transitioning discoveries into therapies. To this end we have developed a predoctoral training program that will: provide each trainee with the foundational tenants of the discipline of pharmacology such as receptor theory, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics; develop the professional skills necessary for success; support individual research mentoring that provides directed research in an area of biomedical science of interest to the trainee alongside discipline-specific training; and evaluate the attainment of individual trainee and program goals. Timely and actionable feedback on the progress of trainees is provided by a competency-based assessment plan developed in collaboration with a select group of like-minded predoctoral training programs. All facets of the proposed program are supported by a comprehensive evaluation plan designed to both assure the development of individual trainees and provide feedback to improve the overall training program. These experiences are supplemented to build competence in research ethics, scientific rigor, presentation of scientific data, and assessment of data. We convey to trainees the expectation and the tools to pursue life-long learning as an essential component for success. Professionalism will be intentionally addressed to impart skills in areas such as communication, teamwork, mentoring, and self-assessment in order to aid in the development of resilience, integrity, and leadership. These program aims are supported by longstanding strengths that include the history of collaboration amongst the partner institutions, the past success of trainees, and a dynamic, intellectually diverse research environment that supports pharmacological investigation. Our goal is to produce trainees who will become leaders in careers found in academic and industrial research, government and regulatory affairs, and education.