Vanderbilt University Cardiovascular Medicine Training Program - PROJECT SUMMARY
The Cardiology Division at Vanderbilt has a long and outstanding track record of training cardiovascular scientists
across a broad array of disciplines in cardiology. Over the last 5 years, the Division has experienced (1) major
growth in research funding, with >$20 million NIH funding last year ($1.4 million increase over previous year)
and over $28 million in total funding last year (26% increase); (2) success of our investigative faculty through
transdisciplinary collaboration; and (3) increase in trainees applying for/attaining K-series (or similar) funding.
We propose to continue this trend under a transdisciplinary Vanderbilt University Cardiovascular Medicine T32
(VUCM-T32) NRSA training grant consisting of 4 post-doctoral trainees annually (2-3 year appointment). We aim
to foster career development of cardiovascular investigators by training individuals from diverse backgrounds by
an accomplished, committed faculty. Vanderbilt houses unique resources central to the success of our trainees
and mentors, including (1) intense institutional commitment via divisional financial support and an NIH CTSA
(Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical/Translational Research [VICTR]) that centralizes mentor/trainee education and
wellness and guidance and support during K/R-series application (among many other services); (2) integrated
electronic health record/OMICS platform (“BioVU”, “Synthetic Derivative”) successfully used by our trainees in
research; (3) broad faculty interests across multiple areas of cardiovascular research, basic and clinical; (4)
training in leadership and integrity, including responsible conduct of research, with an emphasis on methodologic
rigor, reproducibility, and diversity/inclusion; among others. Our recruitment programs focus on our clinical
fellowship (with a “short-track” Harrison Society program for those dedicated to careers as physician-scientists)
as well as internal and external recruitment efforts, with dedicated programs and faculty roles for outreach to
women and individuals under-represented in cardiovascular science. We have demonstrated success in
recruitment/retention and attainment of career development funding to date. Training is mentor-supervised
research (>85%), supplemented by core didactics, conference series, and opportunities to develop leadership,
communication, and scientific training (including funding for formal Master’s training). Mentors are selected by
trainees prior to matriculation, with training (including a “mentor-in-training” program) to ensure mentor
development. A consistently updated Individualized Development Plan (IDP) and meetings with an Individualized
Primary Mentoring Committee and PD/PIs will help guide trainees to success and serve as quantitative metrics
to measure T32 effectiveness. Administration is led by 2 PD/PIs (Freedman; Shah), supported by an (1) External
Advisory Board and (2) Internal Executive and Steering Committees to guide trainee selection and provide
oversight. VUCM-T32 success is ensured by significant institutional support by Vanderbilt, via VICTR, Office of
Biomedical Research and Training, and Department of Medicine. We envision VUCM-T32 will provide trainees
expertise to sustain life-long investigation, starting with attainment of research-focused positions and funding.
