The Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB) and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (OB/GYN), collaborating with the Department of Pediatrics of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Neonatology), propose to continue and enhance an innovative, rigorous, and highly successful two- to three-year research training program for clinicians in reproductive epidemiology. This training program attracts trainees from across the US and its graduates are placed in academic institutions nationwide, resulting in a program of high impact. The training program consists of required courses in epidemiology, clinical research methodology, biostatistics, and reproductive epidemiology; elective courses relevant to the trainees' methodologic interests; journal clubs and clinical research conferences conducted by participating faculty in the CCEB, OB/GYN, and the Neonatology; extensive independent readings; instruction in the responsible conduct of research; a professional development series; grant writing and grant development experiences; and the completion of an independent research project in reproductive epidemiology. The program: 1) trains clinicians to be rigorous and independent academic investigators able to use the range of approaches available in epidemiology to address research issues in reproductive medicine, women's health, and/or neonatology related to the etiology, prognosis, prevention and early detection, treatment, clinical economics, technology assessment, medical decision making, and quality of patient care; 2) provides closely mentored research experiences with faculty preceptors in clinical epidemiology, and obstetrics and gynecology; and 3) strengthen the links between traditional epidemiology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and women's health. Trainees matriculate in the Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE) program. Strengths of the proposed program are: 1) the long history of successful research training programs in the CCEB, and OB/GYN; 2) the collaborative links that have been forged among the faculty of these academic entities; 3) the comprehensive course offerings and research programs that are available to trainees; and 4) an extensive set of experienced program directors and faculty preceptors with successful training records. In addition, the availability of the broad range of rich expertise of the faculties in the CCEB, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Division of Neonatology; numerous existing large databases that can be used for research projects and training; a broad array of specialized analytic capabilities available for clinical studies (e.g., clinical trials, cse-control, cohort research, etc.); and the faculties' commitment to collaborative research and training, combine to provide an ideal environment for this training program. Finally, Penn and the PSOM promote an academic environment in which basic and clinical research are encouraged and viewed as attractive career paths for physicians.

Public Health Relevance

There is a major national shortage of qualified clinicians able to conduct rigorous clinical research in reproductive epidemiology. This training program addresses this shortage through the collaborative efforts of reproductive epidemiologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, and neonatologists. Specific research areas of focus of mentors and trainees include how health affects reproduction and how reproduction affects health. Specific lines of research include: fetal origins of adult disease, contribution of maternal illnes to adverse perinatal and childhood outcomes, adverse childhood outcomes associated with assisted reproductive technologies, fertility potential after treatment for malignancies and the association of the transition into menopause and urogynecologic disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32HD007440-24
Application #
9695986
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHD1)
Program Officer
Halvorson, Lisa M
Project Start
1996-05-01
Project End
2021-04-30
Budget Start
2019-05-01
Budget End
2020-04-30
Support Year
24
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Biostatistics & Other Math Sci
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
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Chan, Jessica L; Senapati, Suneeta; Johnson, Lauren N C et al. (2018) Risk factors for sexual dysfunction in BRCA mutation carriers after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Menopause :
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Handley, Sara C; Passarella, Molly; Lorch, Scott A et al. (2018) Survey of preterm neuro-centric care practices in California neonatal intensive care units. J Perinatol :
Johnson, Lauren; Sammel, Mary D; Domchek, Susan et al. (2017) Antimüllerian hormone levels are lower in BRCA2 mutation carriers. Fertil Steril 107:1256-1265.e6
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Chan, Jessica L; Levin, Pamela J; Ford, Brian P et al. (2017) Vaginoplasty with an Autologous Buccal Mucosa Fenestrated Graft in Two Patients with Vaginal Agenesis: A Multidisciplinary Approach and Literature Review. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 24:670-676
Haggerty, Ashley F; Sarwer, David B; Schmitz, Kathryn H et al. (2017) Obesity and Endometrial Cancer: A Lack of Knowledge but Opportunity for Intervention. Nutr Cancer 69:990-995
Chan, Jessica L; Kar, Sujata; Vanky, Eszter et al. (2017) Racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a regional cross-sectional study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 217:189.e1-189.e8

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