The Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis (MMMP) training program annually supports 5 predoctoral students and 2 postdoctoral fellows for advanced training in microbial pathogenesis and host response at the University of Michigan. MMMP students and fellows gain advanced research training with committed mentors in field-leading laboratories. They also benefit from academic and professional development via theme-specific courses, seminars, journal clubs, public outreach, and career development activities. Highly selected students are admitted through the UM Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) umbrella program, which supports their first year wherein students focus on courses and laboratory rotations before selecting one of 14 degree granting programs. Mentors nominate PhD or MD/PHD students for MMMP at the end of the first year based on thematic interests in the contributions of microbes to health and disease. MMMP coursework is aligned with the Microbiology and Immunology degree curriculum. Postdocs are admitted to MMMP after nomination by mentors or through centralized postdoctoral recruitment events. Trainees access to the feature course of MMMP Science in the clinics, in which trainees examine infectious diseases from a translational perspective by shadowing an Infectious Diseases physician in the clinics and connecting basic research with clinical practice in journal club discussion sessions. Trainees also gain experience in selecting, hosting, and enhanced exposure to MMMP sponsored external speaker, which brings diverse and innovative investigators to campus as role models for career development. Finally, trainees develop essential communication skills by participating in an on campus science communication workshop before engaging with the public in a variety of outreach opportunities. New initiatives in the upcoming funding period include having an annual IDP ?party?, an annual MMMP on site retreat, and implementation of exit surveys. Introduction of these new activities is expected to further enhance the MMMP training experience as a means toward attaining trainee career objectives.
Combatting infectious diseases remains a centrally important quest for global health. Sustaining this mission requires a workforce of basic researchers and clinical practitioners who understand principles of how microbes cause disease, how our immune system controls infectious agents, and how beneficial microbes limit disease, all with an eye toward developing new ways of preventing or treating infectious diseases. This program provides advanced training and professional development opportunities to prepare talented Predoctoral and Postdoctoral trainees for careers dedicated to fighting infectious diseases.
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