Health problems related to our subspecialty require multidisciplinary approaches for understanding and treating hearing and communication disorders. Advancing the scientific foundation of otolaryngology requires well-trained investigative teams with diverse skills and backgrounds in basic and clinical science. A new integrated training program for Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residents in basic, translational, and/or clinical sciences related to otolaryngology is proposed based in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSM). The training program's mission is to address these needs by supporting research opportunities in the disciplines related to otolaryngology, providing strong curricula in an integrative framework, with an interdisciplinary research culture emphasizing mentoring, academic advancement, grantsmanship, diversity outreach, responsible and ethical conduct of research, and productivity.
The Specific Aims of the IRTO are to: 1) Provide research experience with mentors conducting basic, clinical, or translational research in diseases and conditions related to hearing and communication disorders; 2) Provide core and elective didactic opportunities to ensure trainees acquire in-depth knowledge of relevant basic, clinical, and translational research techniques; and 3) Provide curricula, seminars, workshops, and tutorials focusing on topics related to professional development skills. This program is supported by a highly collaborative group of mentors who direct active, NIDCD funded research programs; opportunities for interdisciplinary research collaboration and specialized training in a broad spectrum of research fields relevant to hearing and communication disorders; and an exceptional institutional infrastructure and research culture provided by multiple departments and colleges. A history and record of interdepartmental collaborations and collegiality among researchers in disciplines related to otolaryngology is a key factor for long-term success for our training program. Equally important is the long-standing culture of support, value, and enthusiasm for research training by the leadership in the Department and the institution. Moreover, we have successfully obtained a new ACGME approved 6-year research track position.
We aim to provide the scientific training, as well as communication and administrative skills to enable our graduates to compete successfully for individual NIDCD-sponsored research awards and eventually become creative contributors to the future of otolaryngology.

Public Health Relevance

This grant supports a new integrated training program for Otolaryngology residents based in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University Miami Miller School of Medicine. There is a current and growing public health need for well-trained physician scientists in otolaryngology to increase the science knowledge base and improve clinical care of patients. The goal of this unique training program is to provide mentored research opportunities in the disciplines related to otolaryngology and communication health, and the tools to acquire the necessary training to become physician-scientists.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32DC015995-03
Application #
9964760
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDC1)
Program Officer
Rivera-Rentas, Alberto L
Project Start
2018-07-01
Project End
2023-06-30
Budget Start
2020-07-01
Budget End
2021-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Miami School of Medicine
Department
Otolaryngology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
052780918
City
Coral Gables
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33146