UM KUHR Training Core
The objectives of the University of Michigan Kidney, Urology and Hematology Research Training Network (UM KUHR) TL1 are to provide early-stage, academically inclined scientists and physicians with the requisite skills and experience across the translational research spectrum to bridge the persistent gaps between basic scientific discovery, clinical practice, and population health.
Science and health related research is more promising today than ever before. One can scarcely keep up with all the latest discoveries in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. New medical discoveries and health care reforms are emerging at a pace that far exceeds our current capacity to translate new tests and treatments into an ever-evolving clinical environment. As such, while training in the skills required for bench to bedside translation remains fundamental, there is also a compelling need to expand the pool of scientists capable of performing cross-disciplinary areas such as the systems biology, epidemiology/ health services and implementation research necessary to translate scientific discoveries into day-to-day clinical practice.
The TL1 training program consists of two principal components: 1) Didactic course work with concentrations in basic science, bioinformatics, clinical trials, epidemiology, health services research or implementation science; and 2) Concurrent applied in-depth research experience in the conception, execution, and dissemination of a well-designed research project.
In order to adapt to the needs of the healthcare marketplace, the program has broad criteria to matriculate both predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees who are pursing or have either an MD and/or PhD. Guided by their program faculty preceptor, trainees are instructed in the philosophy, ethics, and theory behind research, as well as methodological techniques derived from a broad array of basic, clinical, and public health sciences. The Programs Leads undertake administration of this program while progress is monitored continuously by Program Faculty Preceptors, and quarterly by the Selection and Mentoring Committee. Trainees are expected to present their work to the Selection and Mentoring Committee, at local and national scientific conferences and the UM KUHR Annual Regional Research Retreat. By the end of the training program, trainees will have completed both the requirements for an advanced research degree and a mentored research project, including publication of their findings in the peer-reviewed literature. Based on our past records, graduates of our institution’s training programs are well-positioned to establish a longitudinal research agenda and to pursue an independent research career in academic medicine.