The proposed renewal is for a continuation of the present Multidisciplinary Training Program in Lung Disease (HL-07185), which provides training in basic and clinical sciences important to the respiratory system. The program depends on the interdisciplinary staff of the Cardiovascular Research Institute, together with specialized basic and clinical research skills of other members of the UCSF campus. The grant is to accommodate a total of sixteen postdoctoral trainees (approximately eight new trainees per year), including both MD's and PhDs. The main focus of the program is an actual experience in the laboratory under the close supervision of a Staff Member, employing one or more of several approaches applicable at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, whole animal or clinical levels. In addition, considerable emphasis is placed on special educational opportunities that have been created to prepare individuals for a career in academic medicine. The educational program provides special courses, small group conferences, seminars (including ethical scientific conduct) and personal instruction specifically designed for trainees as well as basic science courses. Courses for Clinical Scholars include courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical research design, and medical economics. New facilities and faculty have been added to incorporate the disciplines of modern biology and the disciplines relevant to rigorous clinical research. Considerable emphasis has been placed on (a) the multidisciplinary focus of the program, (b) developing and implementing academic careers in areas of scientific need, especially in those currently underrepresented. These areas in our program include bacterial pathogenesis, immunology, genetics, mouse biology, and the development of clinical research support programs; (c) mentorship of trainees in the laboratory, and in the development of their academic careers; (d) the recruitment and retention of underserved minorities and women in the program; (e) clinical research training and close coordination with basic science. The interdisciplinary nature of the program and the close collaboration among a widely diverse staff are major strengths.
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