PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This innovative T32 proposal addresses a critical need to train emerging postdoctoral scientists to become
leaders in cardiometabolic science. At the intersection between cardiovascular disease and metabolic
disorders lies excess morbidity and mortality, best addressed by successful scientists and research integrated
in these areas. Our proposal addresses 3 aspects of the training need: First, these scientists require training
from both cardiovascular and metabolic researchers. Second, training must occur in an environment where
relevant interdisciplinary collaborations among successful mentors are already underway. Third, the
advancement of women scientists must be actively pursued by both men and women to maximize the talent
pool. Drs. Hsueh and Raman, internationally-recognized, established investigators in diabetes/metabolism and
cardiovascular medicine, have brought together a team of NIH-funded cardiovascular and metabolic
researchers at the Ohio State University (OSU), with a dual mentorship training design that gives trainees
essential cross-disciplinary scientific and professional guidance. OSU’s environment for cardiometabolic
training is unparalleled, with faculty in the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and the Diabetes and
Metabolism Research Center (Hsueh, Director) engaged in NHLBI-funded research across basic, translational,
and clinical disciplines. To advance women in cardiometabolic science, this T32 leverages a number of
programs across OSU including a predoctoral T32 program for diversity in cardiovascular science led by co-
investigator Dr. Rafael-Fortney. Faculty mentors have been chosen specifically both for their productive track
records and for research publication productivity and NIH award success of their trainees. We will enroll 2 new
postdoctoral trainees per year for 2 years’ training, with a 3rd slot supported by OSU College of Medicine
(COM, PhD) and Department of Internal Medicine (DOIM, MD or MD-PhD) funding. Recognizing that physician
scientists may be less competitive for a first K award due to inadequate research time, a third year of
postdoctoral training, covered by DOIM funds, is provided for physician trainees. OSU’s success in attracting
physicians willing to invest the needed time in research training is evident by such successful entities as the
Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP). Highlights of this T32 include clear milestones, development of a
formal course in Cardiometabolic Science that distinguishes this program as an independent discipline,
regulatory sessions, and effective efforts across many institutional layers to change culture towards
advancement of women in cardiometabolic science. Individualized development plans are assessed by metrics
such as publications, career development awards, completion of coursework and workshop, and transition to
research and academic careers. Our faculty, infrastructure, leadership, trainee pool, and unique scientific focus
will deliver male and female cardiometabolic scientists and fill a critical postdoctoral training gap.