Research Training in Global Non-Communicable Diseases - Non-communicable diseases account for 71% of all deaths globally, including in the United States. Yet, training opportunities for research in global cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases are limited. Critical questions involve understanding optimal treatment and implementation programs to improve health and reduce disease, key differences among populations in pathobiology and treatment responses, and relevant environmental and socio-behavioral factors that influence disease progression. The program supported by this proposal, Research Training in Global Non-Communicable Diseases, is designed to provide post-doctoral fellows at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) with outstanding opportunities to obtain research skills and high-quality mentorship to prepare for research careers addressing global cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases. Key activities for fellows in the training program include the Program in Clinical Effectiveness (a rigorous summer program designed explicitly for postdoctoral physicians) and other coursework relevant for global health. We will also instruct fellows on global health research implementation and administration as well as career development through program-based seminars and courses in the MGH Division of Clinical Research. Additional professional development resources will be available through multiple initiatives, primarily through MGH. The proposed program will also support a Community of Practice to promote connections among the fellows, their mentors, and other global health researchers for professional development and wellness. Additionally, the committed and talented group of mentors available to the fellows will receive advanced training in mentorship to optimize the effectiveness in supporting the fellows. Our aims are as follows: Provide mentored research in high-impact global health research of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases to develop the next generation of global health investigators Conduct research training through coursework and seminars that is enriched through a Community of Practice model among global health investigators Train mentors to optimize the success of supported trainees working in global health research. The Research Training in Global Non-Communicable Diseases Program will support a total of eight fellows (two per year), each receiving two years of research support, didactic training, and intense and purposeful research and career mentorship. The program aims to prepare all fellows for research careers, including career development and transition to independent NIH-funded research. Impact of the program will be measured through the quality of mentorship, as well as the productivity and advancement of the fellows. All global health research will have relevance for non-communicable diseases and health promotion in the United States.
