Cardiovascular T32 Training Program

The cardiovascular program at the University of Minnesota (UMN) has a rich history of innovative discoveries that have transformed the treatment of cardiovascular disease. These discoveries include the world's first open heart surgical procedure, the use of the world's first transistorized pacemaker, and advances in cardiac transplantation and cellular therapy. These paradigm-shifting discoveries provided a fertile educational environment and resulted in the training of hundreds of academic leaders who have further impacted the field of cardiovascular medicine. 

Previously, a more traditional T32 training program in the Cardiovascular Division was awarded from 2003 to 2013. The current T32 program in Cardiology was awarded in 2019, and is based upon a completely new premise, emphasizing training in science, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We seek to support our trainees in an environment that allows easy interchange of concepts and technical expertise between MD research trainees and PhD postdoctoral fellows. In addition to a solid foundation in cardiovascular physiology and biology, all trainees will be exposed to training in aspects of idea commercialization. 

Inquiries may be made via email to the Program Director, Dr. Samuel Dudley, sdudley@umn.edu.

Research Training Duration

We expect trainees to engage in a minimum of 3 years of research, which will also include training in innovation, development of a business plan related to the project, and grant applications for career advancement. For PhDs, this would consist of a K99/R01 award application, and for MD trainees, the application would be for the K08 or K23 programs.

Cardiology Physician Scientist Training Pathway

For fellows in the PSTP cardiology program, training is anticipated to include:

• Residency training in Internal Medicine: minimum of 24 months

• Intensive research training: 36 months

• Clinical cardiology fellowship training: minimum of 24 months

Total length of training is 7 years. 
Trainees are eligible for Internal Medicine Board Certification in the summer of PGY-4 as long as two years of internal medicine and one year of clinical cardiology have been satisfactorily completed.
Trainees are eligible for cardiology subspecialty board certification in the fall of PGY-7.

Current Trainees

• Sarah Crist

• Alexander Dayton

• Patrick Ernst

• Kyle Fulghum