This proposal requests sponsorship for the US Ten-Day Seminar on Epidemiology and Prevention of
Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke. This unique training program includes joint sponsorship from the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), other interested NIH institutes, and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), and National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD). Given the burden of
cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke to this nation, it is highly appropriate to conduct professional training
in research and dissemination of evidence for this topic. The goals of this proposal are consistent with the
goals and objectives outlined in the NHLBI’s Strategic Vision which seeks to “further develop, diversify, and
sustain a scientific workforce capable of accomplishing the NHLBI’s mission.” Training of such a workforce is
a key element of our country’s readiness to address the health challenges posed by CVD and to advance
multi-component strategies that promote cardiovascular health (CVH). A prepared workforce will need
research competencies in epidemiology and biostatistics, quality of care, and policy and environmental
approaches to health promotion and disease prevention. Also, authoritative health agencies and prominent
scientists have noted an increasing need for training professionals to understand methods related to e-
cohorts, large practical clinical trials, dissemination and implementation research, and big data analytics.
Scientists will also need expertise in cost-effectiveness research, genetics, epigenetics, and biomedical
informatics. This Seminar can uniquely contribute to training scientists who can integrate evidence across all
of these fields and translate research findings into effective and impactful policy and practice.
The following specific actions must be pursued in order to assure the conduct of a successful Seminar:
1. We will continue to attract faculty with both the knowledge of relevant content and the personal teaching
skills required for effective conduct of this program, with a continuing emphasis on the recruitment of
faculty from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (currently 29% of the faculty) and female faculty
members (currently 47% of the faculty);
2. We will continue to adapt program content to maintain its relevance to the training needs of the nation for
health professionals with appropriate career interests, while maintaining a consistent central focus on the
areas described above;
3. We will continue to disseminate information about this program to appropriate target groups, using the
most effective current strategies for reaching underrepresented racial/ethnic groups and female
candidates; and
4. We will continue to broaden the recruitment of participants through AHA Scientific Councils, past
participants, organizations likely to identify candidates from underrepresented groups, and other means.