Research training in Pediatric Endocrinology - ABSTRACT: This application seeks support for a NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional T32 in Pediatric Endocrinology at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP), University of Pittsburgh. Pediatric endocrine disorders such as type 1 diabetes, childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes have major consequences in adulthood including cardiovascular disease, blindness, and kidney failure. Despite the urgent need for research to better understand these pediatric disorders and mitigate long-term health effects, the number of Pediatrics-focused research training programs to provide the training essential for launching a successful research career is limited. Indeed, there are only seven active T32 training grants in Pediatric Endocrinology in the U.S. We seek support through this grant to 1) expand outstanding training opportunities in pediatric endocrinology; 2) achieve national priorities to cultivate the future leaders of clinical, preclinical, and translational research; and 3) prepare a cadre of skilled pediatric endocrinologists to address the critical shortage of physician-scientist investigators dedicated to research focused on diabetes, obesity, and metabolism. The T32 program will include training in endocrine physiology, molecular genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, epidemiology, metabolomics, microbiome homeostasis, ethics of human research, clinical trials, grant writing, and career guidance. To achieve these goals, we have recruited faculty mentors who are academically productive and dedicated to the training of scientists and physician-scientists. Research focus of this training grant includes diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, beta cell and adipose tissue biology for 22 out of 24 of the mentors (92% of the mentor pool), one of the biggest problems facing us at the present. We will recruit a cohort of highly qualified trainees. Of the potential applicant pool, 13/14 (93%) of our trainees are engaged in diabetes-related research, providing a rich opportunity. Our T32 program will provide a nurturing environment, mentorship and infrastructural support for physician-scientists and Ph.D. scholars to acquire the skills necessary to design, implement and interpret clinical trials and research projects in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes.
