The goal of the University of Michigan WRHR Program is to Fast Forward the effectiveness of obstetrician/gynecologist scientists through a department-based, multidisciplinary junior faculty development program. We plan to capitalize on the research investments and expertise of the University of Michigan and train junior faculty in research areas most likely to lead to significant breakthroughs in women's health. We selected research areas and mentors based on Department and Institutional research priorities and strengths. From among the potential mentors in the Department's Reproductive Sciences Program, Pelvic Floor Program, and the University of Michigan's Fast Forward Initiative, we have chosen those with proven records of accomplishment in fostering the development of junior faculty researchers. The research programs of these mentors span cutting-edge reproductive biology, pelvic floor medicine, metabolomics, oncology, protein folding diseases, sleep disorders, microbiome, and genetics. We propose to recruit obstetrics/gynecology faculty to develop their women's reproductive health research careers for a minimum of two and up to five years. During the past five years, we have developed a track record of training outstanding WRHR scholars with unique research niches. It is our goal to select the most promising candidates for appointment from three year ACOG approved subspecialty fellowships as well as Minimally Invasive Surgery, Family Planning, Genetics, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Breast, and Women's Health fellowships, American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society fellows, and Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar programs to participate in the WRHR. Proven medical school-wide programs are in place to recruit and support underrepresented minority scholars. A Career Development Program and Center Advisory Committee will assure that the scholars have the best possible environment for success. The PI and Research Director will ensure regular and timely assessments and feedback from the scholars and mentors. The program will be measured by the success of WRHR scholars achieving research independence and in receiving extramural funding.
Women's reproductive research is critically important to improving the health of Americans. Scientific advances in reproductive biology, gynecologic cancer biology, pelvic floor disorders, sleep disorders, genetics, microbiome, metabolomics, and protein folding diseases have potential to substantially impact women nationally, especially underserved and minority women.
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