The goal of this program is to leverage the physiology and psychology expertise and the current resources available at Northwestern University to train predoctoral students in Biomedical Engineering and Psychology and MD and PhD postdoctoral trainees in Gastroenterology, Surgery and Psychology for careers focused on research in functional foregut disorders. The study of functional and motor foregut disorders is complicated and requires a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates an understanding of the mechanical, physiological and inflammatory aspects of gastrointestinal tract function and the cognitive and psychosocial factors that alter symptom response. This training program will build on the successful integration of the Esophageal Center and Center for Psychosocial Research at Northwestern University and also utilize resources from current collaborations with the Center for Healthcare Studies, the Cognitive Brain Mapping Group and translational research colleagues in Allergy-Immunology and Pathology. The fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, residency program in Surgery and the graduate programs in Engineering and Psychology attract top-notch applicants for these training positions. Each trainee will work with both a primary research mentor and a co-mentor, which will foster interaction between research and clinical faculty and enhance the collaborative aspects of the trainee's research experience. A training program consisting of structured research and mentorship that combines a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation or Public Health degee, seminars, career development programs, and education in the ethical conduct of research has been developed to promote excellence in research focused on functional foregut disorders. We propose to fund one highly qualified predoctoral student and one highly qualified postdoctoral MD or PhD trainee per year for a two-year intensive research experience. Thus, our program will have 4 trainees at steady-state and currently we have the interest from prospective applicants and commitment from our potential mentors, departments and university to support this program.

Public Health Relevance

Understanding how gastrointestinal function and psychosocial stress interact to cause symptoms is crucial in developing treatment strategies for the large number of patients suffering with these complaints. This program in gastrointestinal physiology and psychology will provide training for investigators capable of integrating these disciplines to develop a better understanding of how these problems are caused and how they can be treated.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32DK101363-02
Application #
8831652
Study Section
Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases D Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Densmore, Christine L
Project Start
2014-05-01
Project End
2019-04-30
Budget Start
2015-05-01
Budget End
2016-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
005436803
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60611
Taft, T H; Carlson, D A; Triggs, J et al. (2018) Evaluating the reliability and construct validity of the Eckardt symptom score as a measure of achalasia severity. Neurogastroenterol Motil 30:e13287
Taft, Tiffany H; Kern, Emily; Starkey, Kristen et al. (2018) The dysphagia stress test for rapid assessment of swallowing difficulties in esophageal conditions. Neurogastroenterol Motil :e13512
Yadlapati, Rena; Johnston, Elyse R; Gluskin, Adam B et al. (2018) An Automated Inpatient Split-dose Bowel Preparation System Improves Colonoscopy Quality and Reduces Repeat Procedures. J Clin Gastroenterol 52:709-714
Yadlapati, Rena; Tye, Michael; Keefer, Laurie et al. (2018) Psychosocial Distress and Quality of Life Impairment Are Associated With Symptom Severity in PPI Non-Responders With Normal Impedance-pH Profiles. Am J Gastroenterol 113:31-38
Yadlapati, Rena; Pandolfino, John E; Alexeeva, Olga et al. (2018) The Reflux Improvement and Monitoring (TRIM) Program Is Associated With Symptom Improvement and Weight Reduction for Patients With Obesity and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 113:23-30
Yadlapati, Rena; Tye, Michael; Roman, Sabine et al. (2018) Postprandial High-Resolution Impedance Manometry Identifies Mechanisms of Nonresponse to Proton Pump Inhibitors. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 16:211-218.e1
Bedell, Alyse; Taft, Tiffany; Craven, Meredith R et al. (2018) Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Eosinophilic Gastritis and Gastroenteritis: A Qualitative Assessment. Dig Dis Sci 63:1148-1157
Taft, T H; Triggs, J R; Carlson, D A et al. (2018) Validation of the oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale for chronic oesophageal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 47:1270-1277
Craven, Meredith R; Keefer, Laurie; Rademaker, Alfred et al. (2018) Social Support for Exercise as a Predictor of Weight and Physical Activity Status Among Puerto Rican and Mexican Men: Results From the Latino Men's Health Initiative. Am J Mens Health 12:766-778
Craven, Meredith R; Quinton, Sarah; Taft, Tiffany H (2018) Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Experiences with Psychotherapy in the Community. J Clin Psychol Med Settings :

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