Gastrointestinal Disease Training Grant
Purpose
The Training Program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Colorado is committed to preparing highly motivated post-doctoral candidates for investigative careers in gastrointestinal research.
Building on a 32-year background of sustained scientific accomplishment, the program is embarking on an exciting period of new growth and expansion of training opportunities. This growth is marked by the recruitment of new research faculty, the successful competition for new NIH (and other) grants, the development of programs that utilize sophisticated molecular and biophysical technologies to address basic issues in gastrointestinal research, the development of substantial new research space and programs that enhance the opportunities for trainees. These intellectual and capital resources contribute to an outstanding environment for career development of two new trainees per year.
We propose to extend the period of training from 2 to 3 years to accommodate the coursework and research experience that is necessary for a committed trainee to be successful in an academic career.
Resources
The nucleus of the program is provided by a distinguished faculty with research interests centered around four major themes, including:
- immunopathogenesis of hepatic and gut diseases;
- membrane biophysics and transport,
- clinical trials and outcomes in viral hepatitis and liver transplantation and gastrointestinal endoscopy,
- cell and molecular biology of gastrointestinal tissues, and
- nutrition and carcinogenesis and expertise ranging from fundamental basic science, clinical investigation, clinical outcomes research and behavioral interventions.
The training faculty are recipients of over approximately $4 million in annual research support. These resources allow trainees an opportunity to approach gastrointestinal diseases from clinical, behavioral, epidemiologic, physiologic, biochemical, molecular and genetic perspectives. Physician trainees may elect to receive an MSPH or PhD degree during training.
Program
The adult and pediatric Divisions of Gastroenterology provide overall direction and strategic planning for the program; and the faculty draws broadly from internationally recognized research and training programs in other divisions and Departments to provide the best training opportunities possible.
Each year, two trainees are recruited from fellowship and doctoral programs in both clinical and basic science disciplines. Selection is based upon a confirmed commitment to a research-oriented career, an integrated research training plan, and the support of appropriate faculty with established credentials in the field of interest to ensure optimal scientific and career mentoring. The long-term goal of this program is to identify and support new investigators committed to rigorous training in gastrointestinal research, and to continue to develop the scientific and academic leaders for the future.